featured image

Explore the call for courage, charity, and service in daily life through Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:38-42. Reflect on the power of forgiveness and presence.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the phrase: “You have heard that it was said . . . But I say to you . . .” In fact, in Matthew 5, Jesus repeats this phrase no less than six times. Might we be so bold as to claim today’s Gospel highlights the way to perfection amid our sometimes-chaotic family life? I think so!
 
Jesus asks three things: courage, true charity, and the gift of time and service. To turn the other cheek and not reply with a snarky remark when one slaps us with an insult takes courage. Jesus asks us to forgive rather than retaliate.

Christian virtue is to give freely and from our own need rather than our surplus.

“If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well."

The tunic was the inner garment and losing it was not a big problem, as even the poorest person would have more than one. But the cloak was valuable and essential. It was a robe by day and a blanket by night. Jesus calls us to give even that which is essential. St. Paul reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Our most precious commodity is time. Jesus taught,

"Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.”

To give our time, energy, and our presence is to give lavishly. Romans used to compel citizens to help them. It was under this custom that Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’s cross. Like Simon of Cyrene, help another carry their cross.

Our acts of forgiveness, compassion, generosity, and presence can change hearts--theirs and ours. Yes, God loves a cheerful giver—and it is also true that God can never be outdone in charity.

 

Ponder:

In what area in your life are you being challenged to respond in a fully Christian way—which shows compassion and understanding for another? 

 

Pray:

Jesus, help my family to recognize in each other the burdens we each carry and to be ready to bear each other’s crosses with an abundance of love and understanding. 

 

Pray Together:

Practice a moment of extra special presence with one of your family members. Allow them to know you see them and hear them.  

 


June 15

Copyright 2026 Dr. Lisa M. Gulino

 

About the Author

Dr. Lisa M. Gulino

Dr. Lisa M. Gulino

Dr. Gulino is a lay ecclesial minister with over 30 years' experience in pastoral ministry and teaching in higher education. She has served in Diocesan Ministries for a total of 22 years—Diocese of Fall River and Diocese of Providence. Additionally, she has several years in Parish Ministry. Lisa received her Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic University of America in Spiritual Formation with emphasis in evangelization and catechesis. She wrote her dissertation on the spiritual and faith formation of the domestic church. Since 2007 Lisa has served as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph College for both theology and pastoral ministry courses. Her work with the Congregation of Holy Cross began in 2018 as a facilitator and advisor with the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame's STEP Program. And she also serves as a faculty member for the Permanent Diaconate program for the Diocese of Fall River. Lisa grew up in Attleboro, Massachusetts in the shadow of our Lady’s Mantle as she lived close to Lasalette Shrine and visited often with her family. She is the fifth of six children. She is the proud aunt of 11 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews.