All stand. The Priest (May) approaches the Altar with the ministers and venerates it while the entrance Antiphon is Sung:
Reading i 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Brethren: Working together with Christ, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are
true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
The Word of The Lord!.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
The Lord has made known his salvation, has shown his deliverance to the nations. He has remembered his merciful love and his truth for the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song, and sing out your praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All stand to sing the Gospel Acclamation to welcome the gospel, and remain standing to honour/hear the Master Christ(Himself).
ACCLAMATION: Psalm 119:105
R. ALLELUIA.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, and
a light for my path.
R. ALLELUIA.
The Gospel ( All stand! )
GOSPEL Matthew 5:38-42
At that time: 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, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.
The Gospel of The Lord!.
Reflection
Paul's Curriculum Vitae never fails to inspire us. To those who saw him as less qualified for the proclamation of the GOSPEL, he lists his experiences of endurance in times of suffering, hardship, humiliation and persecution, all for the sake of making Christ Jesus known. How many today, especially those of us who dedicate our lives to the service of God and humanity, confidently present our difficulties, failures and challenges as our achievements! Let us learn from Paul. In the GOSPEL Jesus reminds us of the option of non- violence in relating to those who are violent or unkind to us. In these times of gruesome killing and persecution of Christians, this teaching becomes difficult to live; wanting to defend oneself from a violent attack or to retaliate to harm done to us or our loved ones comes spontaneously. If we turn the other cheek, the perpetrators of evil might wipe out entire families, clans or community. Yet the message of Jesus still holds true: we do not overcome violence by violence; it makes the fight unending and more harm is done. May God protect us from violent persons and give us wisdom to face oppressive situations!
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