June 15. SEE.   “Why did Jesus make such difficult statements,” Maysie asked her mother. “Surely if someone hurts me I’ve got a right to defend myself or fight back?” “I agree, Jesus made many difficult statements in this ‘blueprint’ for a new kingdom, that we call the Beatitudes.  We do find some of them difficult, but remember that he is proposing an ideal society to which we want to aim for. Do you agree with that?”  

JUDGE. Reflect, share. Scripture.  An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  I say “Do not resist one who is evil.”  If anyone strikes you on the right cheek turn to him the other also, and if anyone would see you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well. Matt 5:38-42.   Pope  Francis:  Jesus, himself eternally young, wants to give us hearts that are ever young. He says, “True youth means having a heart capable of loving, whereas everything that separates us from others makes the soul grow old.”  On putting on youthfulness St Paul mentions compassion, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other.  CV 13.  Pope Leo in Equatorial Guinea:  Your families are the fertile soil in which your human and Christian growth, like a young and delicate tree, sinks its roots. For this reason, I want to invite everyone to thank the Lord together for the gift of your loved ones.  From MH:   Particularly in an age of continuous technological transformation, we need a political creativity that will promote “work” and place the family and coming generations at the center; otherwise our economic progress will translate into new forms of insecurity and exclusion.

ACT AND PRAY.  Reread, dialogue and pray over the Beatitudes.