Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For a deeper awareness of and concern for the plight of homeless and displaced persons throughout the world, that all might work to eradicate their suffering and its causes.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
From the Third Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Because you are obliged to help your disciples save themselves, you must engage them to unite all their actions to those of Jesus Christ, our Lord, so that their actions, made holy by his merits and by his consecration, are able to be pleasing to God and a means of salvation for them. This is how you must teach them to benefit from the death of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and to make the advantages and merits of his death effective in them.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son teaches us what it means to be patient and humble in our relationships with one another. Grant us the strength to be forgiving, to do our best to end the cycle of anger and hurt that fill our world and replace it with compassion, cooperation, and understanding. Help us to build your Kingdom, where all of us live as one in you. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.