By Aldo Vibi Brandon csc –
Readings: 2Cor 6: 1-10; Mt 5:38-42
In today’s gospel, I was inspired by the phrase “go also the second mile”, and it reminded me of the life of St. Ignatius. When he was wounded, he asked for books to pass time. He was given the books of lives of saints and Christ. As he was reading the lives of saints, he was touched by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. A rich man gave up everything to be with poor.
What moved St. Ignatius was, “why can’t I do the same?” We are called to serve God as priests, lay missionaries, and families in our own ways. But how many of us walk the second mile is a million-dollar question. The first reading tells us what price we would be paying if we step out for the Lord; affliction, hardships, beating, imprisonment, dishonor, and ill- repute. We receive everything for Christ.
We are not walking the second mile, but Christ who lives in us, does the work. If we are not close to God, the extra step we make is a burden. We can easily see around us the works of Christ.
Many good hearts are raising funds to help the dire needs of the poor. Covid warriors are always walking the extra mile with Christ.
Today our country needs people who work generously for others. May God stir the spirit in young hearts.