Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 February 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 23 February 2025
First Reading: First Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” (9)
When his enemy was given into his hand, David restrained himself from harming him! In a strange episode described today, amidst running for his life and facing King Saul, David displays remarkable strength of character. How often are we faced with a situation to gloat over our so-called enemies, and we just let it by. Would we try to gain some advantage from such a circumstance? On the other hand, imagine if we are in Saul’s place; what would we do? How often do we look for opportunities to make peace?
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we walk through this wilderness, trying to create peace. Even though we may find an Abishai to advise us according to the best logical outcome for us, let us be prepared to honour what God has allowed to occur in our lives! In the strength of the Lord, we will find the way forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits. (1-2)
Amen!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 45-49
It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (44-45)
The greatest mystery of our faith is revealed to us in the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus; our Lord and son of the Father Almighty. It is only through our spirits that we can believe and proclaim this mystery. Therefore, when we try to understand our faith, we must not try to apply our logical or intellectual side only. Through human reasoning alone, we will not be able to comprehend this truth! Christ lived in human form and elevated our human existence so that we can try to attain the reward he has prepared for us. Even as we try to discuss these matters, we are not going to be able to fully fathom the gift that God has given us!
Hence, suffice to say that we ought to strive to become worthy recipients of the joy that the Lord has permitted us. Let us turn our hearts, minds, and spirits over to the Lord Jesus Christ each moment of our life! In His mercy, the Lord grants us this grace to receive Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: John 13: 34
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Alleluia!
Lord, teach us to truly love one another and ourselves too!
Gospel: Luke 6: 27-38
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. (28)
If we bless those who bless us or are good to those who are good to us, the Lord Jesus asks, What good is that? Let us reflect today to see where we might find it difficult to function on these lines set out by the Lord. Let us take one aspect at least, i.e., to pray for those who persecute us! In the face of the situation, we will find it difficult. But let us ask the Lord God Jesus Christ, who suffered similar circumstances throughout his life.
Let us ask his Holy Mother Mary to assist us in our journey! The more we operate in these plains, the more grace we will receive in wisdom through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
