This week's reflection on the Sunday Gospel for the Seventh Sunday of the Year is
by Sean Crawley from Leeds Diocese, who is presently studying at the Venerable English
College and will be ordained a deacon this summer. Listen:
Gospel Mt
5:38-48
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 as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over
your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for
two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one
who wants to borrow.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your
neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for
he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just
and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do
not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what
is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as
your heavenly Father is perfect.”