Family Bible Study - 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Passage
Matt. 5:38 Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye
and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But
if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if
any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well;
41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give
to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from
you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those
who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in
heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain
on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what
reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you
salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not
even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your
heavenly Father is perfect..”

Questions for discussion:

1. Jesus says that we must be perfect as God the Father is perfect. Does this
mean we can never get or do anything wrong? If not,
what do you think it means?

2. Jesus says that it’s not enough to love those who love us or be good to those
who are good to us. We need to be good even to those who treat us badly.
When someone is mean to you, are you mean
back to them or do you try to be good to them even when they’re mean to you?

3. Jesus says that we should pray for those who are bad and full of hate. Do
you pray for people in this way, that God may be merciful to them and help
them change and become good?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry