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7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Sunday February 21, 2038

Love That Looks Like God

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites us to think about what it really means to love. The readings remind us that love is not only about kindness to friends. It also calls us to treat others with fairness, patience, and mercy. God’s love goes beyond what feels easy or fair. We are asked to follow that same kind of love.

Leviticus tells the people to be holy as God is holy. This holiness is not about rules alone but about how we care for one another. When we refuse hatred or revenge, we reflect God’s goodness in our daily lives. True holiness is seen when we love our neighbors as ourselves.

In the Gospel, Jesus shows a new way to live. He teaches us to turn the other cheek and pray for those who hurt us. His way of love is generous and free. It changes how we see others, even those who seem difficult to love.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A calls us to love as God loves. This love is strong, patient, and ready to forgive. When we live this way, we show the world who we belong to and what God’s kingdom looks like.

Mass Readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

  • First Reading – Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18: God commands the Israelites through Moses to be holy as He is, to avoid hatred, seek no revenge, bear no grudges, and love their neighbors as themselves.
  • Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: I praise the Lord, remembering His kindnesses: forgiving sins, healing diseases, and rescuing from despair, showing mercy and love far beyond our failings.
  • Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:16-23: You are a temple of God, housing His Spirit. Defiling this temple invites ruin. Worldly wisdom is folly; true wisdom is in God. Boast not in leaders, for all belong to Christ.
  • Gospel –Matthew 5:38-48: Jesus teaches a radical love and non-resistance: instead of “an eye for an eye,” he urges turning the other cheek, giving more than what is asked, and going the extra mile. He instructs his disciples to love enemies and pray for persecutors, embodying God’s impartial kindness, challenging them to love universally as God does.

Lectionary Reference: 79

The readings above are for lectionary cycle A. For other years see the links below:
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

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.

Matthew 5:44

Themes for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on love, holiness, and wisdom. The readings challenge people to love beyond what is easy and to seek God’s ways instead of the world’s ways.

  • Call to Holiness: God tells His people to be holy as He is holy. Holiness means loving others and avoiding hatred and revenge.
  • Love for Enemies: Jesus teaches that love should not be limited to friends. He calls His followers to love even those who hurt them.
  • God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom: The world values power and success, but God values humility and love. True wisdom comes from following God’s ways.
  • Respect for Each Other: Paul reminds believers that they are God’s temple. They should treat each other with care and respect.
  • Forgiveness Over Revenge: The old law allowed equal punishment, but Jesus teaches mercy. Instead of seeking revenge, He calls for forgiveness.
  • Going Beyond What is Asked: Jesus tells His followers to give more than required. This shows generosity and kindness, even to those who demand too much.
  • Belonging to Christ: Paul warns against putting faith in human leaders. All things belong to Christ, and He is the one to follow.

The readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A call for love that goes beyond limits. They remind people to follow God’s wisdom, treat others well, and trust in Christ.

Resources for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Why Must I Pray for My Enemies?

Praying for our enemies is not easy, but Jesus calls us to do it. Holding onto anger and resentment only harms our own hearts. When we pray for those who hurt us, we ask God to help us let go of bitterness. We also open the door for His grace to work in their lives. Love is more than just avoiding harm—it means seeking the good of others, even those who oppose us.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that God’s love is for everyone. He does not withhold kindness from those who do wrong. He calls us to do the same. Praying for our enemies does not mean we agree with them or excuse their actions. It means we trust God to bring healing and justice in His way. When we choose love over hate, we follow the example of Jesus.

Praying for Someone Who Has Hurt You

Praying for someone who has hurt you takes courage. It is natural to feel anger or sadness, but holding onto these feelings can weigh us down. When we pray, we ask God to help us let go of resentment. We may not feel ready to forgive, but we can start by asking for the strength to want to forgive. Even a simple prayer like this for the other person’s well-being can begin to heal our hearts.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that Jesus calls us to love our enemies. He showed this love on the cross when He prayed for those who crucified Him. Praying for someone who has hurt us does not mean we excuse their actions. It means we trust God to work in their life and in ours. When we choose prayer over anger, we take a step toward the peace that Jesus wants for us.

Love Your Enemies Activity Sheet

Teaching children to love their enemies can be difficult, but simple activities can help them understand. A fill-in-the-blank sheet encourages kids to think about kindness, forgiveness, and prayer. It gives them a chance to learn how Jesus wants us to treat others, even those who are unkind. This helps them see that love is more than just being nice to friends—it also means showing mercy to everyone.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches that God’s love is for all people, both good and bad. Jesus calls us to love as He does, without limits. This activity sheet helps children see that love is a choice we make every day. It encourages them to follow Jesus’ example by choosing kindness over anger. When children learn this lesson early, they are more likely to carry it with them as they grow in faith.

The Book of Leviticus: A Call to Reflect God’s Holiness

Leviticus teaches Israel how to live as God’s chosen people, set apart by holiness. In this passage, God tells them to imitate His holiness by showing mercy and love toward others. The command to love one’s neighbor connects holiness to everyday relationships. It shows that being holy means reflecting God’s justice and compassion in community life.

This teaching fits within Leviticus’ larger theme of covenant living. God’s people are called to be distinct, not through ritual alone but through moral action. Loving one’s neighbor is the foundation of a faithful community. On the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, this reading reminds us that holiness grows through love that mirrors God’s care.

Learn more about the Book of Leviticus.

Psalm 103: Bless the Lord Who Forgives

Psalm 103 celebrates God’s mercy and goodness. It praises the Lord for forgiving sin, healing brokenness, and saving His people from despair. The psalmist recalls how God’s love endures despite human weakness. This spirit of gratitude deepens faith, showing that praise comes from remembering how God restores and sustains life.

Within the Psalms, this song highlights God’s faithful love as the heart of worship. It draws believers into trust, focusing not on fear but on mercy. For the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, it echoes the call to mirror divine kindness in our relationships.

Explore more about Psalm 103 and its message of mercy.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 103.

The First Letter to the Corinthians: You Belong to Christ

Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are God’s temple, a sacred place where His Spirit dwells. This image connects to the letter’s larger concern about division and pride within the community. By calling them a temple, Paul urges unity and reverence, warning that selfish ambition or rivalry destroys what God builds.

Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom. The call to humility and harmony runs through the entire letter. On the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, this passage invites believers to see themselves as belonging to Christ, not to human leaders.

Read more about the First Letter to the Corinthians.

The Gospel of Matthew: Love Without Limits

This Gospel continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He deepens the Law’s meaning. Here He calls for mercy instead of retaliation and love that includes even enemies. His teaching reveals the heart of God’s kingdom, where justice is shaped by compassion and forgiveness replaces revenge.

In the larger context of Matthew, Jesus presents the perfect model of righteousness. His followers are called to reflect God’s impartial love, just as the Father cares for all. For the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, this passage challenges us to live with generous hearts.

Discover more about the Gospel according to Matthew.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Love as God Loves

Bishop Barron explains that the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches a kind of love that is unlike any other. Jesus tells His followers to turn the other cheek, love their enemies, and give without expecting anything in return. No philosopher or political leader has ever taught this way. Jesus is not just giving another moral rule—He is calling people to live as God lives. God’s love is not limited by human ideas of justice. He loves everyone, good and bad alike.

Jesus wants His followers to love the same way. This is not about following rules but about becoming more like God. The goal is not just to be good people but to share in God’s way of loving. Bishop Barron reminds us that this teaching is difficult, but it is also the path Jesus sets for those who truly want to follow Him.

How Do I Love My Enemies?

In his commentary for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins explains that Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who oppose them. Instead of seeking revenge or trying to protect our reputation, we are called to respond with love. Jesus showed this on the cross when He prayed for those who crucified Him. Cavins reminds us that love, not anger, is the key to changing hearts.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A also highlights that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Just as people once went to the temple for forgiveness and reconciliation, our lives should reflect God’s love. Cavins shares a story of a bishop falsely accused but who chose to pray for his accuser. This example reminds us that fighting in the world’s way will never win hearts. Instead, we must pray, forgive, and trust God’s plan.

Holy as God

In his commentary for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Scott Hahn explains that we are called to be holy as God is holy. Jesus shows us how by loving without limits, even when facing hatred and persecution. On the Cross, He prayed for His enemies and did not resist those who hurt Him. His example teaches that true holiness means overcoming evil with love.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A also reminds us that God does not treat us as we deserve but loves and forgives us instead. Through baptism, we become temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to Christ. Hahn explains that we are saved to share in God’s holiness. By imitating Jesus and loving as He loves, we glorify God in our daily lives.

Reflection for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A calls us to love in ways that are not always easy. Jesus challenges us to go beyond what feels natural and to show kindness even to those who hurt us. He calls us to forgive, to let go of revenge, and to trust in God’s way of love. These readings remind us that holiness is not just about avoiding sin but about actively choosing love, mercy, and forgiveness in our daily lives.

Love Your Enemies

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenges us to love in a way that feels unnatural. Jesus tells His followers not to seek revenge but to turn the other cheek. This goes against human instincts because we often want justice when we are wronged. But Jesus teaches that true love does not hold onto anger or seek to hurt others in return.

Loving our enemies does not mean allowing others to harm us. It means responding to hatred with kindness instead of more hatred. Jesus calls us to pray for those who hurt us, not because they deserve it, but because love is stronger than hate. When we pray for others, our hearts begin to change.

It is not easy to forgive and love those who have wronged us. But Jesus shows us that love is always the better choice. He loved even those who crucified Him. If we want to follow Him, we must try to love as He loves.

How to Forgive

The readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind us that forgiveness is an important part of faith. Jesus calls us to forgive even when it is difficult. He does not say that this will be easy, but He does show us the way. He tells us to pray for those who hurt us. This helps soften our hearts and makes forgiveness possible.

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It does not mean letting someone continue to harm us. Instead, it means letting go of anger and choosing not to seek revenge. It is a decision to trust God with justice and to free ourselves from bitterness.

Sometimes, forgiveness takes time. We may need to ask God to help us be willing to forgive. The more we pray and seek His help, the more we open our hearts to healing. Jesus understands what it means to be betrayed and hurt. He is ready to help us forgive, just as He forgave those who hurt Him.

Forgiving does not mean we must restore every broken relationship. Some situations require distance. But even if we never speak to the person again, we can still choose to forgive in our hearts. This brings peace and allows us to move forward.

Be Perfect?

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A ends with Jesus saying, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This can feel overwhelming. No one is perfect, so what does Jesus mean? He is not asking for impossible perfection. He is calling us to grow in love, mercy, and kindness.

To be perfect in this sense means to love as God loves. God does not love people based on what they deserve. He loves freely and fully. Jesus wants us to do the same. Instead of only loving those who are good to us, He tells us to love even our enemies.

This is a high calling, but Jesus gives us the strength to follow it. He does not expect us to change all at once. Growth takes time, and God is patient. Each step we take toward love and forgiveness brings us closer to the holiness Jesus calls us to.

God’s love is for everyone, and He asks us to share that love with others. Even when it is difficult, we can trust that He will help us. Trying to love like Him is the path to true peace and joy.

Following Jesus’ teaching is not always simple, but He gives us the grace to try. The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites us to reflect on how we love others, especially when it is difficult. Love and forgiveness are not just feelings but choices we make with God’s help. When we live this way, we grow closer to Him and to the people around us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to love as You love. Teach me to forgive those who have hurt me and to let go of anger. Give me the strength to choose kindness over revenge. Open my heart to see others as You see them. Fill me with Your peace so that I may share it with others. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

  • What makes it difficult to love your enemies?
  • How can prayer help you to forgive someone?
  • Have you ever experienced healing after choosing to forgive?
  • Why do you think Jesus asks us to turn the other cheek?
  • How does holding onto anger affect your heart and mind?
  • What are some small ways you can show love to someone who is difficult to love?
  • How does remembering that everyone is made in God’s image change how you see others?
  • When have you seen love overcome hatred in your own life or in the world?
  • What does it mean to be perfect as God is perfect?
  • How can you take a step toward greater love and mercy this week?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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Love That Shines on All

This image for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-48, where He calls us to love without limits. The heart divided in color but joined in light shows God’s love shining on everyone, friend and enemy alike.

Use this image in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry to spark reflection on loving as God loves.

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Music Suggestions for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The music selections for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reflect themes of love, mercy, and peace. Some songs focus on loving one another as God loves us. Others remind us to show kindness and forgiveness, even to those who hurt us. There are hymns about following Jesus and living out His call to holiness. Some songs speak of unity, bringing people together in faith. Others focus on trusting God’s mercy and striving for peace in our relationships. These songs help us reflect on Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies and to seek holiness in our daily lives.

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to guide the congregation in prayer and reflection. These songs reinforce the message of the readings and encourage people to live out their faith. If you have other music that fits the themes of the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, share your suggestions in the comments.

Questions and Answers for 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

What does it mean to be holy as God is holy?

It means we should love and forgive others as God does. Holiness is not about being perfect on our own but about trying to follow God’s ways in our daily lives.

Why does Jesus tell us to love our enemies?

Jesus wants us to love as God loves. If we only love those who are kind to us, we are not truly following Him.

How can we love our enemies?

We can pray for them, forgive them, and treat them with kindness. This does not mean we let them hurt us, but we choose not to hate them.

Why does the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on forgiveness?

The readings show that God forgives us even when we do not deserve it. We are called to do the same for others.

What does turning the other cheek mean?

It does not mean letting people abuse us. It means not seeking revenge and choosing peace instead of anger.

How can we avoid holding grudges?

We can pray for God’s help to let go of anger. Forgiveness takes time, but choosing to forgive frees us from bitterness.

Why does the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A say we are temples of the Holy Spirit?

God lives in us, so we should treat ourselves and others with respect. Our words and actions should reflect His love.

What does it mean that God sends rain on the just and unjust?

God does not show love only to good people. He loves everyone, and He wants us to do the same.

How does the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A help us in daily life?

It reminds us to be patient, forgiving, and kind, even when it is hard. It challenges us to love as God loves.

What does it mean to be perfect like God?

It means growing in love, mercy, and kindness. We will never be perfect, but we can always try to be more like Him.

How can we live out these teachings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

We can choose kindness over anger, forgive instead of holding grudges, and pray for those who hurt us. Even small acts of love make a difference.

Love Beyond Limits

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches about love, forgiveness, and true wisdom. God calls His people to be holy by loving others and avoiding hatred. Jesus challenges His followers to love even their enemies and not seek revenge. Paul reminds believers that they are God’s temple and should live with respect for one another.

Jesus’ teaching goes beyond what is expected. Instead of following the old rule of “an eye for an eye,” He tells His followers to turn the other cheek. He asks them to go the extra mile and give more than required. This kind of love reflects God’s kindness to all people.

Paul warns against trusting in human wisdom. The world values power and success, but God values humility and love. Everything belongs to Christ, and true wisdom comes from following Him. The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people to live with love, mercy, and trust in God’s ways.

Your Turn

The readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A ask people to love in a way that is not easy. Loving enemies, forgiving instead of seeking revenge, and trusting in God’s wisdom can be difficult. But this is what Jesus calls His followers to do.

Take time to reflect on these readings. Have you ever struggled with forgiveness or loving someone who hurt you? How have you seen God’s wisdom in your life? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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