February 19, 2017 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

Psalm 103

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

“…love your enemies…”  Matthew 5:44

“…be perfect…”  Matthew 5:48

Lord, really?  You might as well ask me to run a four minute mile or climb Mt. Everest.  To love like you do seems an impossible task.  To be perfect?  Not in this lifetime!  I get the reason behind these seemingly unachievable demands.  We are all your children and you desire we live in peace and harmony with each other.  You desire that we care for each other the way you care for us.  It’s pretty simple but on my own, so beyond my reach—like that four minute mile.  Love is a choice.  You want me to open myself to your grace and cooperate with it.  Starting out small is my only chance, so today I will say a kind word, respect my neighbor’s opinions and not avoid that unpleasant woman at work.  Today I will begin to build a relationship with that person who has harmed me.  At least I will pray for him.  Lord, place before me someone who I’ve taken for granted, looked down upon or think is undeserving.  Even if I fall short of your dream for me I trust you’ll be with me always urging me on to perfection.  Amen.