So let's talk about today's readings 6/16/09

[cheeto1]

usccb.org/nab/today.shtml

In this first reading, St. Paul seems to say to the Corinthians, “Do you love Jesus
more than these others (Macedonians)? Then give more money!!”
And he says he is testing the genuineness of their love by this.

In today’s psalm, we are reminded that every good thing comes from God.

“But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you”

Who can follow the instructions in today’s gospel. I wonder if Jesus Himself had to
learn how. Look at John 17:9 - where Jesus prays, “For these I pray – not for the
world but for these you have given me…” Well, His enemies were not included in
this particular prayer, that doesn’t mean He didn’t pray for His enemies. It took
His death before we got to hear His prayer for His enemies, “forgive them, for they
know not what they do”. I did not hear Him say, “I forgive you” or “I forgive them”,
but rather asked all-powerful God to forgive them.

And now this line, “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect”
O.k. Lord, I’ll be perfect…

So what struck you about today’s readings? :bible1::twocents:

 

[incense]

I’m struck about the minister in the news who prayed for the death of the abortionist and is now praying for the death of Obama. He has a name for his type of prayer, can’t remember what he called it.

It does seem to go against what Jesus said in this reading. And the timing is providential.

I’m trying to think if Jesus prayed against anyone. He cursed a fig tree, but I can’t think of any person. The couple in Acts died when they lied to Peter about how much money they sold their land for and were donating. But it doesn’t say that Peter prayed for their death or condemned them. It’s more like he was told by the Holy Spirit that they were judged by God. It seems that Paul said something about God knowing how badly some people treated him, there was a hint of a request for justice.

Personally, I’m afraid to pray for justice. I’m more fond of mercy.

 

[cheeto1]

Yes it does seem to go against, “love your enemies”.
“pray for those who persecute you” doesn’t mean pray that they’ll die.

I very much agree with you about the timing. God knew you would see this news
report, and He had a reading for you at just the right time. He does that every day…

I have always been shocked and pondered the story of Anannias and Sapphira.
They didn’t kill anyone, hurt anyone, or slander anyone. They were giving money
to the church! and just because they said they gave more than they did, God killed
them on the spot. That’s not even bearing false witness against their neighbor…
They never had a chance to go to confession, no one had a chance to pray for them,
mind you, this happened after Jesus had already risen from the dead. God didn’t even kill Judas.