Tuesday, June 19, 2007, in 11th Week of Ordinary time, cycle C, year 2

Scripture: II Cor.8:1-9. Psalm 146. Matthew 5:43-48. Lectionary # Collecting money is no easy task for pastors, but they are always in need of something for the Church like repairs, or airconditioning, painting the walls, etc. Paul, our itinerant apostle, had this task and is now even writing about it as he begs from the Macedonians. Though they are poor, they give generously and Paul acknowledges their gift and helps today's pastors in having a good paradigm and model for collections. Ray Brown in one of his books has an excellent chapter on how ministers and pastors should approach the collection question for the people of their churches and parishes. Paul appeals to their hearts and souls and also encourages them. They have received the good news of salvation and have profitted from it in their lives. They are faithful followers of the Gospel. Now they are ready to help Paul and Titus bring such good news to others through their generosity. Paul gives them a model par excellence with the conclusion of today's first reading: "For you know the generous act of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." In today's Gospel, which continues the Sermon on the Mount, we have another great challenge: "To be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." Leading up to that statement, Jesus tells us to love our enemies, our persecutors, and those who do not love us. When we do this, then we are able to grasp the meaning of his final statement at the end of chapter 5 verse 48. In loving our neighbors who are not loving us we become like God the Father who creates the sun to shine on both the good and the bad. When we grasp what Paul did, namely, to be an imitator of Christ we, too, are gradually transformed into sons and daughters of God and thus can become like to Jesus. Paul tells us again and again that we are to be in Christ. He himself no longer lives for himself but for Christ. Mary, the mother of Jesus, found out that nothing is impossible with God and she lived out the challenge of Jesus to be perfect, that is wholesome and integrated in her life. Transformation in Christ is a goal we all share in. In fact, the word used in the Gospel of Matthew for this perfection is connected with achieving our goal. May we take up the challenge and say with Mary, "May it be done to me according to your word." Amen.