Sunday, February 23, 2020

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Love of Enemies (A) 79

Key Passage

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43–44a)

Questions

Adults: What is the point of "turning the other cheek" in an argument, and why is it so hard to do?

Children: Who are the people you find it most difficult to forgive?

Readings

First Reading • Various Rules of Conduct

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Psalm

Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10, 12-13 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Second Reading • The Work of God's Ministers

1 Corinthians 3:16-23 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Gospel • New Law of Retaliation; Love of Enemies

Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSVCE | GNT | MSG | NLT | NRSVACE)

Related activities & tools

All-in-One Bible Fun series: Stories of Jesus: 13 Lessons for Busy Teachers - Preschool
- On the Hillside • p.80-89 • Mt 5:1-7:28
Enriching Faith series: Lessons, Prayers and Activities on the Teachings of Jesus
- Chapter 1: Discovering the Sermon on the Mount • p.6-7 • Mt 5-7
- Chapter 15: Turning the Other Cheek • p.34-35 • Mt 5:38-39
- Chapter 18: Loving Your Enemy • p.40-41 • Mt 5:44-45
- Chapter 33: Memos from the Mount • p.70-71 • Mt 5-7
Learning Centers series: Learning Centers for Confirmation
- Chapter 3: You Are Gospel People • p.17-19 • Mt 5, 11:29; Jn 14:6
Fun Bible Skits 2: Ready-to-Go Scripts & Activities
- Chapter 16: Jesus Teaches About Enemies • p.50-52 • Lk 9:51-56; Mt 5:38-48