Monday 17 June 2024

Today is Monday 17 June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time. The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’ Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, ne laisse pas mes ténèbres me parler. Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure, donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:38-42 ‘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 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. These sayings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount are tough. As you listened to this reading from Matthew’s Gospel, what was your instinctive response? Were any of those sayings realistic for you? Does one stand out as particularly difficult? With these thoughts in mind, let’s listen to the reading again. As you end this time of prayer today, you might like to ask Jesus for help in understanding his words and putting them into action… speak to him as a friend. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.