Sunday Reflections

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Going the Extra Mile

In today’s Gospel we hear some of Jesus’ bold proclamations to the people of Israel which are still applicable to us 2000 years later. Jesus says “You have heard what was said to those of ancient times ... but I say to you...” He challenges his followers to go above and beyond their limits of charity and to not settle for their old previous notions of what it meant to love.

This is an important lesson for us as stewards who strive to follow Christ and serve Him and the Church. We should not just offer our gifts to our parish community in a mediocre way, but strive to do so as generously as possible. Cardinal Collins in his Pastoral Letter on Stewardship* says that “as good stewards, we are meant to use God’s gift fruitfully and creatively, so that with true gratitude for what we have received we may return God’s gifts to Him with increase.” The key word in the Cardinal’s exhortation is “increase.”

How often do we go the extra mile in our sharing of our time and talent? How often do we surpass our comfortable notions of how much we want to love? Jesus is asking all of His stewards to give of themselves generously. Perhaps we can try to take a little more time this week for prayer and commit more wholeheartedly to the ministries we are involved in. Let us always strive to be better and remember the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who said, “You were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

Summary

In today’s Gospel Jesus boldly says “You have heard what was said to those of ancient times ... but I say to you...” He challenges his followers to go above and beyond their limits of charity and to not settle for their old previous notions of what it meant to love. As stewards we should not just offer our gifts of our time and talents to our parish community in a mediocre way, but strive to do so as generously as possible