11th Week in Ordinary Time 2021 - Monday - Above and Beyond

 Early on in his Sermon on the Mount, the Lord teaches that the righteousness of his disciples must surpass that of the Scribes and Pharisees. This teaching no doubt surprised his listeners, for the scribes and Pharisees were zealous about conformity to the law of Moses.  The very word Pharisee came from the word meaning “to separate”. The Pharisees sought to separate themselves from everything that was sinful. They would even avoid eating with sinners, hence, their consternation when Jesus would dine with tax collectors and prostitutes.  

How could our holiness possibly "surpass" that of the people of Jesus' day who obeyed every letter of the law?  It sounds as if Jesus has just set the highest standards in history.  

The Lord gives a series of examples of how Christians must practice this surpassing holiness. When someone strikes you, turn the other cheek, when someone asks for a tunic, give him your cloak as well, should someone press you into service for one mile, go with him two.

Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, Christians must certainly be zealous about obeying the moral law: avoiding killing, lying, adultery, stealing, and the like. But Christians are to go above and beyond obedience to the 10 commandments. We must surpass the 10 commandments by practicing something the Pharisees and Sadducees did not: true charity. Christians must be zealous about cultivating zealous charity in our personal interactions.

Our charity should surprise the people that ask for our help. Here’s more than what you asked for, because, I truly care. I want to see you flourish. I want you to know the goodness of God. 

When we recognize how immeasurably loved we are by God, this sort of charity becomes easy. So we cultivate this generous self-giving by prayer, reception of the sacraments, and simply, through practice. Practice generosity, over and over, and it will become second nature, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

That the bishops of the Church will act as true prophets through their faithful teaching, their courageous witness, and their self-sacrificing love. We pray to the Lord.

That government leaders around the world may carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for freedom and the dignity of human life.  We pray to the Lord.

For the Church’s missions amongst the poor and unevangelized throughout the world, that the work of Christ may be carried out with truth and love. We pray to the Lord.

For the grace to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, to love our neighbors and enemies and those who persecute us, and to share the truth of the Gospel with all.  We pray to the Lord.

For all those who share in the sufferings of Christ—the sick, the sorrowful, and those who are afflicted or burdened in any way.  We pray to the Lord.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray to the Lord.

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.