Times are difficult globally; awakening is no
longer a luxury or an ideal. It’s becoming critical. We don’t need to add more depression, more discouragement, or more anger to what’s already here. It’s becoming essential that we learn how to relate sanely with difficult times. The earth seems to be beseeching us to connect with joy and discover our innermost essence. This is the best way that we can benefit others.
Pema Chodron What part of the quote speaks to you? How are you called to respond?
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Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 Luke 6:27-38 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I say this to you who are listening: Love your
enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do
good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’
Reflection on the Scriptures
When Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, what he is really saying is to face our accuser. If someone strikes, say, a slave, backhand, the striker does not see whom he strikes. But if that person
turns and faces him to present the other cheek for a slap, the striker must look his victim in the face and recognize his humanity. Turning the other cheek isn’t an act of abjection but of rebellion even. Jesus says if we are pressed into service, to make it a service. We should go beyond the minimum required. If someone forces you into service for a mile, go two instead. If someone would sue you for your shirt, throw in the cloak. If someone is in need and
asks a favor or a loan, give it. He’s not telling us to just give up, he’s telling us to recognize that we’re all people – king and servant—and we should be of help and service to our fellow man. We aren’t being told to take it, we’re being told to give it. -by Tamora Whitney
The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A. Kempis https://amzn.to/40FrikB Paperback and Kindle versions available BOOK
ONE: Thoughts Helpful in the Life of a Soul
The Third Chapter: The Doctrine of Truth The more recollected a person is, and the more simple of heart s/he becomes, the easier s/he understands sublime things, for s/he receives the light of knowledge from above. The pure, simple, and steadfast spirit is not distracted by many labors, for s/he does them all for the honor of God. And since s/he enjoys interior peace he seeks no selfish end in anything. What, indeed, gives more trouble and affliction than uncontrolled desires of the heart? A good and devout person determines the things that must be done, not according to the whims of evil inclination but according to the dictates of right reason. Who is forced to struggle more than one who tries to master his or her passions? This ought to be our purpose, then: to conquer self, to become stronger each day, to advance in
virtue.
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