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Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount.
“But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
Reflection
At times, someone with hearing loss may say “I can hear you talking but I can’t make out what you’re saying.”
Jesus’ words in this Gospel may provoke that response from those with hearing loss and from those with good hearing.
Let’s test this theory. Let’s choose some sentences in the reading and find one that doesn’t beg us to respond or be tempted to respond:
I can hear you talking but I can’t make out what you’re saying.
“Do good to those who hate you.”
“Give to everyone who asks of you.”
“If you love those who love you what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”
“Love your enemies and do good to them.”
As the reading comes to a close, our hearing may improve. Jesus assures his disciples (that’s us) “Give and gifts will be given to you.” How many gifts? Something akin to an Amazon Prime truck full. “ … a good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing … will be poured into your lap.”
Now you’re talking, Jesus. We can or want to both hear you and make out what you’re saying. We want to be the persons you describe. The true reward may just well be an enhanced quality of our lives, happier and more fulfilling lives.
But we can’t overlook Jesus’ subtle reminder: “For the measure with which you measure will in turn be measured out to you.”
Action
Let’s give some thought to the “measure with which (we) measure.” A cup, a ruler, a yardstick, a bushel basket or …” Because that’s the same measure used to measure us. Think about it!
Sister Denise was the general superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods from 2006-2016. She previously served as a high school teacher, college administrator, postulant/novice director and director of advancement and communications for the Congregation. Currently, Sister Denise serves the Congregation in various volunteer positions.
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Wonderful question in the action section!
But then I am still back on the reward….Amazon truck full!
Thank you!
Thank you for this, Denise. I find I need to constantly remind myself of this lately. That truck full vision will no doubt help!!