7th Sunday In Ordinary Time February 23, 2020
Exceeding the Limits of Justice
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well.” Matthew 5:38-39
At the time of the Old Testament, the introduction of the concept of “an eye for an eye” was seen as great progress in regard to civil peace. This is because it was very common for vengeance to take the form of going beyond the crime committed. For example, if one family stole an animal, the victim’s family may have retaliated by killing the whole flock of the family who did the stealing. This only led to constant fighting and unrest among tribes and communities.
Therefore, when this law was introduced within the law of Israel, it brought a certain peace. Justice could be served, but once equal justice was dealt, the vengeance had to be considered over.
But Jesus comes along and takes this practice to a whole new level. He takes the idea of “strict justice” and transforms it into mercy and forgiveness. By stating, “When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well,” Jesus is introducing the new concept of forgiveness rather than equal justice.
Does He literally mean that we should turn and offer the other cheek? Well, that is what He said so it makes sense to accept this teaching on face value. But we’d miss the point if we got caught up in the question of this one action. What Jesus is truly trying to get across is that mercy and forgiveness must become the new law that governs our lives.
So what if someone steals from you? Ought you demand that they pay you back? Though you may have a legal right to do so, it may be even better to confront that person, in love, and let them know they are forgiven. Yes, that may be hard, but it is the mercy and forgiveness of which Jesus is speaking.
Mercy and forgiveness can, at times, appear to be contrary to justice and common sense. But it’s not. It’s a higher law calling us to a much greater level of true justice. This law can only be understood when we see the sacredness and dignity of every person, including the sinner and the criminal. We should not allow them to continue their criminal behavior, but we do administer the highest justice of God when we forgive and offer mercy.
Reflect, today, upon this very challenging thought. God’s justice is, first and foremost, accomplished by His mercy. If you can understand that and live it, you will see great things happen in your life and in the lives of those you forgive.
-MyCathloicLife.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
As Black History Month draws to a close, we remember our Ancestors who have gone before us in faith, and we also extend a special blessing on our elders who continue to be anchors of strength and devotion in our parish family. We invite you over to the Anchorage for food and fellowship immediately following Mass today.
LENT
This Wednesday, February 26, is Ash Wednesday. Mass with blessing and distribution of ashes will be offered at 7:00 pm. Ash Wednesday Services will also be held St. Wenceslaus Church at 9 am and St. Francis Xavier at 10 am and 7 pm.
Soup and Scripture for our Pastorate will be held at St. Ann’s. Each Wednesday, from March 4 through April 1, St. Ann’s Church will host a meal of soup and bread at 6:30 pm, followed by a presentation and discussion on the theme “Encountering Christ…” There will be a guest speaker each week.
Fast and Abstinence. As a communal witness to our Lenten penance we are asked to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent and to eat only one full meal on Good Friday.
OUTREACH
Members of our Outreach Committee will conduct our monthly Food Pantry this Tuesday, February 25, to help assist those in the neighborhood who are in most need.
Members of St. Ann’s Outreach Committee conduct our Food Pantry on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
SOCIAL MINISTRY CONVOCATION
The 41st Annual Social Ministry Convocation “Who Is My Neighbor” is this Saturday, February 29th at Mercy High School, 1300 E. Northern Parkway 21239, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Former Director of Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will be the keynote speaker. To register and to view a list of workshops visit https://www.eventbrite.com.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY TRAINING
Members of our Bereavement Ministry Team will have a training session this Saturday, February 29, 9 am – 11:15 am in the Anchorage. This training will be for those who have attended the 2 day Roberta’s House Training or have completed the 15 week certification for grief support.
OSP CHICKEN DINNER
The Oblate Sisters of Providence will hold their Annual Chicken dinner at St. Francis Center 501 E. Chase St. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 11 AM – 3 PM. The price of the dinner is $10 for fried or baked chicken, potato salad and green beans. Beverages and desserts will be sold separately. Ralph Moore will be available in the back of the church with tickets. Please help in supporting the Oblate Sisters of Providence!
SAVE THE DATE
Save the Date for Saturday, April 18th 5:00 pm as the St. Ann’s Choir presents a Gospel Music Celebration Concert, “Lord, You've Been Better Than Good To Me.” Along with our Choir, this event will have musical performances from local Churches and Organizations from the Baltimore area and will be performed here at St. Ann’s Church. Donations are $10. Please join us!!!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please also continue to pray for all of our sick and homebound, especially Cornelia Baily, Florence Barber, Kathleen Beckhardt, Pat Brown, James Butts, Willie Curbean, Joshua Cousin, Elaine Edmonds, Gregory Epps, John Frederick, Pat Haley, Rita Hardy, Eric & Harriette Lowery, Tina Lutz, Tom Lutz, Nelson Outlaw, Penny Palmer, Bernadette Wallace, Brenda Waters, Rita Watkins and Vincent Watkins and ask that God grant them strength, comfort and healing.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
Sun., Feb.23 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 11 am Mass
Sunday School, 9:30 am Anchorage, 2nd floor youth room
Adult Bible Study, after Mass
Anchorage Dining Room
Tues., Feb.25 Monthly Food Pantry 10 am – 12 pm, Anchorage
Wed., Feb.26 Ash Wednesday Mass & distribution of ashes 7pm, St. Ann
Thurs., Feb. 27 Evening Mass, 7pm Bible Study after Mass, Anchorage Chapel
Sat., Feb.29. Monthly Food Pantry Anchorage, 10 am – 12 pm
Sun., Mar.1 1st Sunday of Lent
Sunday School, 9:30 am Anchorage, 2nd floor youth room
Adult Bible Study, after Mass Anchorage Dining Room
Tues., Mar.2 Pastoral Council Meeting
6:30 pm, Anchorage
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
1st Reading Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
2nd Reading Romans 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-18
Gospel Matthew 4:1-11