Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A Gospel

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to the disciples, “You have heard the commandment, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But what I say to you is: do not resist an evil person.  When someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer the other.  If anyone wants to sue you for your shirt, hand over your coat as well.  Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles.  Give to those who beg from you.  Do not turn your back on the borrower.  You have heard the commandment, ‘Love your neighbor but hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  In this way you will be children of your loving God in heaven, who causes the sun to rise on the good as well as the bad, and causes the rain to fall on the honest and the dishonest alike.  For if you love those who love you, what right do you have to claim any credit?  Even the tax collectors do as much.  And if you save your greetings for your sisters and brothers only, what is so praiseworthy about that?  Even the Gentiles do as much.  You must be perfect just as your Abba God in heaven is perfect.”

The Good News as spoken through Matthew.