“The Gospel needs to keep its shocking effect. . . It should always keep you on edge and never satisfied” (Tony Walsh, founder of Benedict Labre House). Hundreds of words have described the Gospel, but “shocking” seems …well, rather shocking! I imagine the first listeners of Jesus’ teaching were often shocked. “Love your enemies” Really? That guy who cheated me? “Forgive 70 times 7 times?” But why? Seems useless. She’ll just do it the 491^st time!” A shock can be unsettling, even painful. To that extent, I am forced to consider what the Gospel intends, what Jesus Christ desperately wants me to hear. Do I notice? Am I shaken? As I read the Gospel passage of the day, I often let it wash over me. My response may be “That’s nice” or “I like that story” or “Can’t get much out of that one.” Tomorrow I will look for a word or phrase that shocks me. And if I can’t find one? It’s not the gospel. I know whose fault it is—and that’s no shock.