Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Sunday, February 23, 2025
The theme of mercy and love for enemies is woven into the fabric of today’s readings that call us to reflect on the depths of God’s mercy and the radical call to love even those who oppose or wrong us. In the Old Testament reading from First Samuel, David’s decision to spare Saul’s life is not just an act of mercy but a testament to his faith in God’s plan. By not taking vengeance, he exemplifies mercy, choosing to forgive and uphold the dignity of others, even when wronged. It is challenging to reflect on our lives and consider how we respond to those who harm or wrong us. Do we seek revenge, or do we, like David, trust in God’s justice and mercy? In the New Testament reading, Paul contrasts the first Adam with Christ, the last Adam. Just as we assume the image of the earthly Adam, we are called to assume the heavenly image of Christ. To live, not according to the flesh but in love and mercy according to the Spirit. Our actions should reflect the compassion and kindness of Christ. This is not an abstract concept but a lived reality that shapes how we interact with others and become instruments of God’s grace in the world. Finally, in the Gospel reading, Jesus radically challenges the nature of human relationships by calling us to a higher standard, “But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” —Luke 6:27-30.
Jesus gives us an unambiguous command to act with kindness, even in the face of hostility – to love our enemies. Why is He asking that of us? Why would I want to reward with love those who wrong, hate, disrespect, or even violate me and my rights? Jesus is demanding something from us that feels emotionally and psychologically unattainable. How can we extend love to our adversaries? How can we show love to those who offend, mistreat, and despise us? Jesus is not suggesting that it is acceptable for others to hate or mistreat us. Instead, He knows the kind of people we become when we respond similarly. Our words and actions can affect others and they also shape our hearts. As St. John of the Cross said, “Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.”
The last section of today’s Gospel reading, Judging Others, reads, “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. …For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” —Luke 6:37a & 38b. Our hope is for the Spirit to make us God’s love in the world, for who among us can stand before God demanding to be rewarded for a faithful and holy life and to be dealt a compensatory measure corresponding to all the good we’ve done.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.