7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

1. Leviticus 19: 1-2, 17-18
2. Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
3. 1 Corinthians 3: 16-23
4. Matthew 5:38-48

• I'd love to forgive you, but I have to be honest
• Have you ever been wronged so deeply that you could not think how you were ever going to face that person again?
• What kept you from confronting that other person and letting them know how much grief they caused?
• How can we give ourselves, and each other, permission to be more honest?

• Healing of the heart
• When God restores us, is our new state just like it was before we were injured, or something better?
• How is "healing" different (better?) than "getting over" something that has happened to you?
• Do you think that there is a place in a good Christian's life for psychological therapy?

• Becoming wise without becoming a wise guy (or gal)
• What would you think are the differences between a wisdom that is of God versus a wisdom of humanity?
• How does one gain in the wisdom of God?
• Do you think that Godly wisdom is always easy to identify?
• Why or why not?

• Toxic giving
• A friend of mine used to say to those who wanted to pick a fight with him "If you have to be right about this, then fine, you're right."
• When we extend love to those who hate us, how can we do it in a disarming, winsome way?
• If that love doesn't help the other person, what does it do to/for us?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Whom do I need to forgive today?
2. How am I sharing God's mercy with others this week?
3. Am I willing to be humble enough to be a fool for Christ?
4. How is my love changing the world around me?

Shalom!