WEDNESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Mt 5:43-48) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” (Mt 5:44-45)

FIRST READING - 9:6-11

A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters, consider this:

whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver.

Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,

so that in all things, always having all you need,

you may have an abundance for every good work.

As it is written:

He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever.

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food

will supply and multiply your seed

and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity,

which through us produces thanksgiving to God.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - 6:1-6, 16-18

From the Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Take care not to perform righteous deeds

in order that people may see them;

otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.

When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you,

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets

to win the praise of others.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you give alms,

do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,

so that your almsgiving may be secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,

who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners

so that others may see them.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,

and pray to your Father in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.

They neglect their appearance,

so that they may appear to others to be fasting.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

so that you may not appear to others to be fasting,

except to your Father who is hidden.

And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

TUESDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Mt 5:43-48)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

Today’s Word of God invites everyone to live and practice two important things:

• Live according to your identity as children of God the Father.

• Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.

There are two places in this world: Heaven is the place of eternal happiness, where God the Father reigns. The earth is where the creatures God created live, with human beings as the highest of all. Both heaven and earth are places where God the Father is always present and reigns. And the greatest joy for humanity is that God the Father dwells and reigns in souls that live in purity, holiness, and love.

Therefore, God calls all His children to love their enemies and pray for those who hate or harm them. This is what God the Father asks of all who want to become His true children: to live according to His teachings. Do not live by the ways of the world, driven by revenge and retaliation. Only God gives the Law to humanity, and only He has the right to judge. He always rewards and punishes with perfect justice.

God the Father holds all authority over everything He has created. And out of His immense love for mankind, He created humans in His image and gave them the opportunity to become His children, sharing in His divine nature. Yet, there are still those who betray and oppose Him. But because God's very nature is love and compassion, He always forgives and shows boundless mercy, pouring out countless graces upon all people on earth: “He makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” He gives all creatures the same blessings—air, breath, light, and all that sustains life.

Now, He calls all His children:

• To look to the image of His Only Begotten Son—the Son of love; and imitate Him, learning how to live with forgiveness, love, and generosity.

• Not to be jealous, hateful, or arrogant, because everything we have comes from God, not from ourselves.

• To live with meekness and humility, so that our hearts may become tolerant, forgiving, and loving—even toward those who hate or persecute us.

Living this way is deeply pleasing to God the Father. It is what He desires and invites each of us to do. Let us walk and live according to these teachings to become perfect, good, and holy—just as God the Father is holy.

Those who live as He teaches will be rewarded in heaven, enjoying the happiness of the Kingdom of Heaven. Their sacrifices and efforts, made out of love for God the Father and for others, will truly be worthwhile.

Thanks be to God. Amen.