Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; and Matthew 5:38-48. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 103 (Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Psalm 103: The Lord Is Kind And Merciful (Haugen setting)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "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. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

"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, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sunday Reflections: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 23, 2020)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 23, 2020)

Community in Mission: The Cycle of Hatred and Revenge Ends With Me - A Homily for the 7th Sunday of the Year (22 FEB 20)

Crossroads Initiative: Who am I to Judge?

The Sacred Page: Turn the Other Cheek: The 7th Sunday of OT (22 FEB 20)

The Sacred Page: The Sermon on the Mount, Part 4 (The Mass Readings Explained) (17 FEB 20)

Rhode Island Catholic: The Quiet Corner: Mercy is indeed the face of God (20 FEB 20)

St. Paul Center: Holy as God: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Be Holy (Cycle A * Ordinary Time * Week 7)

National Catholic Register: Sunday Guide: Advancing the Gospel of Christ (19 FEB 20)

Catholic News agency: Pope Francis: Ask God for the strength to love your enemies (23 FEB 19)

Spirituality of the Readings: The Temple of God (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

In Exile: Love of Enemy as the Test of Orthodoxy (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

Glancing Thoughts: Turning the Other Cheek (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Does Jesus Want Doormats for Disciples? (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

The Word Embodied: Militant Faith (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A) 

Historical Cultural Context: Regaining Honor (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Walter Hilton (7th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A)