June 17.  “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?”  Mom sighed and replied, “I agree, Jesus made many difficult statements in the Beatitudes, his “blueprint” for a new kingdom. Remember he is proposing the “Spirit of the Kingdom,” an ideal society to aim for, but nevertheless we do find them difficult and have to keep trying.” 

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:  The Church wishes with humility and compassion to reach out to families and to help each family to discover the best way to overcome any obstacles it encounters. AL200.  I think of what our world would be like without the patient dialogue of the many generous persons who keep families and communities together.   Unlike disagreement and conflict, persistent and courageous dialogue does not make headlines, but quietly helps the world to live much better than we imagine.  FT 198.  ACTION AND PRAYER.  Discuss if dialogue “Conversations in the Spirit” as promoted by Pope Francis today can address the difficult questions in the Beatitudes. See the article in the June issue of the Southern Cross monthly magazine, “How we can learn to have better DIALOGUE”