Ordinary Weekday
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Alleluia: John 13: 34
Gospel: Matthew 5: 20-26
First Reading: Second Corinthians 3: 15 – 4: 1, 3-6
15 But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.
16 But when they shall be converted to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.
17 Now the Lord is a Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.
4:1 Therefore, seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;
3 And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost,
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (10b) The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
9ab I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: for he will speak peace unto his people.
10 Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him: that glory may dwell in our land.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
11 Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed.
12 Truth is sprung out of the earth: and justice hath looked down from heaven.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
13 For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit.
14 Justice shall walk before him: and shall set his steps in the way.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
Alleluia: John 13: 34
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
34 I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 5: 20-26
20 For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.
22 But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee;
24 Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother: and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift.
25 Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, whilst thou art in the way with him: lest perhaps the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Amen I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing.
Reflection
The Spirit of the Lord removes the veil that keeps the heart from seeing God’s glory in the face of Christ. This freedom is not simply release from fear or confusion; it is a transformation into Christ’s image. The light God places within us becomes a way of living, so that mercy and truth can meet in our relationships and justice and peace can dwell among us. We do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ, whose love reveals what holiness looks like.
Jesus makes that holiness concrete. Faithfulness to God cannot be separated from the way we treat another person. Anger, contempt, and words that diminish a brother or sister wound the communion God desires. Even worship at the altar must give way to the work of reconciliation when division stands between us and another. The Lord asks for a justice deeper than outward observance: a heart changed by the Spirit, willing to seek peace while there is still time. To receive Christ’s light is to let it expose resentment and lead us toward the humble work of making peace.
Prayer
God of mercy, shine the light of Christ into my heart and remove whatever veil keeps me from seeing you clearly. Holy Spirit, give me the freedom to recognize anger, contempt, and pride, and the grace to surrender them. Teach me to love as Jesus loved, seeking reconciliation rather than defending my own woundedness. Before I bring my offerings to you, help me remember those with whom I am not at peace, and give me courage to take the first step toward healing. Let your truth, justice, and peace bear fruit in my life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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