June 22, 2012 – Matthew 6:19-23 – Concerning Treasures and the Sound Eye

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for you treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"

Fr. Joe Gorman mentioned that clean eyes are a prerequisite to a life well lived. The truth will reveal it and unlock your personal treasures. The key to unlock treasures is happiness, peace, and security. We should look for the light that is  God. Seek things that are heavenly on earth. Let us search light with our eyes and look for personal treasures that lasts forever – faith, hope, and charity.

June 21, 2012 – Matthew 6:14 – Concerning Prayers

"When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows where you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…..For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father will forgive your trespasses."

Fr. Dan Donovan said that the main  point in the gospel focuses on what Jesus said about prayers that it should come from the heart and avoid hypocrisy. The purpose of prayer is not to inform God but to become aware of God’s presence. Another purpose is to ask forgiveness from God and pray for the ability to forgive so that if we can forgive others when we are hurt; we will also be forgiven for our wrongdoings.

June 20, 2012 – Matthew 6:1-4, 16-18 - Concerning Almsgiving and Fasting

"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and in the streets, so that others may praise them. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

In the gospel, Jesus is asking us that when we pray, fast and give alms, we should do it in secret. Fr. Michael Coutts explained that we  should not impress others in order to build our interim life. We should have deep and great foundation to be grateful to God and give glory to Him. People are encouraged to do acts of charity.

June 19, 2012 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Love for Enemies

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those how love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect."

How do we conduct with those who hurt or provoke us to anger or temptation? Jesus is telling us to love our enemies and those who persecute us. In his homily today, Father Jack Lynch advised us to remove all restrictions and set no boundaries for love to those who intimidate us. It is the most challenging act of Christianity. Loving and praying is based on the inclusive love of God. He mentioned that the expression “Do not get mad, get even” and the bible verse “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” concerning retaliation are written to promote harmony not violence.  A disciple is not allowed hostility but is called for compassion and love. The only way to end the cycle of hatred is to pull the plug, which we call forgiveness. We must never be afraid to admit our errors and mistakes. We should understand and acknowledge the insights of others whom we may not agree.  

June 18, 2012 – Matthew 5:38-42 – Concerning Retaliation

"You have heart that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”"

In the gospel today, Fr. Michael Busch emphasized its moral lesson about man’s need for justice quoting the bible verse “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” The search for justice connotes to the right for revenge and retaliation. He said that we should not resist evildoer or people; do not stand up on bully or to make the first strike. Jesus urges and calls for generous response to anyone who is hurt or goes beyond retaliation to extend love to our enemies. This is a tall order and seems to be impossible and very difficult to do. Jesus never promised an easy life but teaches us how to understand the core of truth, which is love. The cost is high but the rewards are huge.   

June 14, 2012 – Matthew 5:20-26 – Concerning Anger

"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fools; you will be liable to the hell of fire.” So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if  you remember that  your brother or sister has something against you leave your gift there before the altar and go first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to the court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly, I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."

Fr. Dan Donovan cited Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He explained that the “law” pertains to the law of love and service and “to fulfill,” means to live it as it was intended to be lived. 

He also mentioned that one of the commandments “Thou shall not murder” include the church orders to avoid injury to another person, inflict insults, or do an act of disrespect. Jesus’ commandments are focused on the heart, feelings, and emotions of human being. When we have negative feelings towards others, we should try to modify them and eliminate all evil thoughts. We should try to reconcile with that person and be at peace with one another. We can overcome animosity and rancor when we become aware of forgiveness. God challenges us to do great things. He is not interested in our sins so he wants us to change and remove this obstacle in our life.

June 12, 2012 – Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and Light

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

Fr. Glenn Mcdonald asked how do people encounter God in everyday life especially the Holy Spirit. One way is to look to those places or things that we wanted to hide. If we examine ourselves, we can find those sins that we do repeatedly and then ask mercy from God. With the gift of humility, we can create forgiveness in our heart and find inner peace.

June 11, 2012 – Acts 11:22-24 – The Church in Antioch

"The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believer and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith."

In the gospel today, Barnabas whose real name is Joseph, is able to give others support when they are discouraged. Fr. Michael Busch said that we need people like Barnabas who encourage us at every opportunity. When parent calls children with insulting names, they become the names it suggests. Thus, we should never underestimate the power of encouraging words. We should encourage our family members, neighbors, co-workers, staff, and others in what they do. We become instrument of power and grace if we possess a priceless gift of encouragement.