1st READING
Order is necessary in human relationships. There are certain “no-go” areas or relationships that are out of bounds. In today’s reading, Paul makes it clear that we have to respect basic rules of propriety, or else our society will collapse. The Roman Empire self-destructed through immorality, making it possible for the pagan barbarians to conquer the Roman armies. The same is true in our communities. Sinful practices lead to disorder and the breakdown of fundamental relationships, particularly the family.
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
1 Brothers and sisters: It is widely reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of a kind not found even among pagans—a man living with his father’s wife. 2 And you are inflated with pride. Should you not rather have been sorrowful? The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst. 3 I, for my part, although absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as if present, pronounced judgment on the one who has committed this deed, 4 in the name of our Lord Jesus: when you have gathered together and I am with you in spirit with the power of the Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not appropriate. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? 7 Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
PSALM
Psalm 5:5-6, 7, 12
R: Lead me in your justice, Lord.
5 For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; 6 the arrogant may not stand in your sight. You hate all evildoers. (R) 7 You destroy all who speak falsehood; the bloodthirsty and the deceitful the Lord abhors. (R) 12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad and exult forever. Protect them, that you may be the joy of those who love your name. (R)
GOSPEL
Jesus cannot abide in hypocrisy. Most people despise hypocrisy when they see it in action. We need to live out the Gospel we proclaim, or else we might be accused of being hypocrites. The Gospel lifestyle, while difficult at times, is the only path to fulfillment and true happiness. We may find pleasure in the world and in sinful practices, but they are temporary. Goodness and holiness will stem from actions in accord with the teachings of God and His Church.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Luke 6:6-11
6 On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. 8 But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Reflect: “Hypocrisy and distortion are passing currents under the name of religion.” – Mahatma Gandhi
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - Psalms 66-70
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