Matthew 5:38-48

Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Matthew 5:38-48
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 to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you and do not turn your back on the 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 to the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Reflection
People consider enemies as a sign of betrayal and ruthlessness, because they have classified them according to their actions. Actions that could cause either a good or bad one. Forgiveness becomes optional due to the damage it has caused. However, with the second greatest commandment, God reminds us to instill love for thy neighbors. Even with the harshest actions thrown against you, even when they would never shed a single effort to have concern for you, even if they would never have the courage to appreciate things you are doing for them, God wants you to never plant hatred and revenge towards those who done against you. How do you let go of your anger?

Lasallian Guiding Principle
LGP states that, “As a member of a community, of the nation, and of the global village, Lasallian institutions must work in solidarity with peoples and institutions that share the conviction in denouncing and working towards the elimination of unjust practices…” The solidarity forms through healthy communities, free of unjust violations and filled with healthy relationships. The relationship of one’s neighbor is important as described by the Gospel and the second greatest commandment. Solidarity is to be achieved when one Lasallian institution joins another in partaking with several services that would require engaging into different communities of people and being able to share to them their stand in eliminating the unjust practices present here in our world. What actually makes unjust practices a norm is due to broken community relationships, lack of communication, and in short, lack of solidarity that would bring people up together.

Prayer for the Year of Ecumenism, Inter-Religious Dialogue and Indigenous Peoples
Almighty, Ever-living God, the most Merciful and Compassionate, we thank You for Creation and the life You have given us. Together, we people of diverse religions, spiritual expressions and indigenous traditions who invoke You by different names, humbly pray that You give us the opportunity to encounter each other through Dialogue, to reach mutual respect and reciprocal acceptance of each other, and to break down the walls of division that stand at the center of most misunderstandings and conflicts.
Make us instruments of Your Light, Love and Peace. Guide us to walk always in Your Path and be a source of hope to
everyone so that we may discover Your Divine Presence in each other.
Show us the way to Harmony and Unity to reach the fullness of human fraternity. Give us the wisdom to discern the Truth and to freely choose what is right and just to make this world a better place to live in.
Together, we ask You for the wisdom and the courage to fulfill Your Will that all may be ONE. Amen
We make this prayer through the intercession of Mary
Queen and Mother of the Christian Schools, and through
the intercession of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, patron of teachers. Amen.
Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Value: Communion in Mission (Nurturing Mission)
Culture Theme: We work harmoniously with others.
Productivity Theme: Teamwork
Institutional Common Virtues (ICV)
ICV WEEK 1: We trust one another.
ICV WEEK 2: We recognize the gifts of other people.
ICV WEEK 3: We respect and affirm the contribution of others to the fulfillment of the mission.
ICV WEEK 4: We believe in servant leadership and have great esteem for humility and obedience.
Sources:
Gospel from https://dailygospel.org/AM/gospel
Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family
DLRAP Themes from DLSMHSI Lasallian Values and Culture – Productivity Manifestations –
Who is a Lasallian?

Prepared:
Agurilla, Lorenz Francis B., Fauni Cyrylle Grace L., and Mendoza, Mara Aira Gabrielle R. of 12-9 Adolfo

Our Daily Lasallian Reflection and Prayer is DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.