Breaking Open the Word
February 23, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Today’s First Reading and the Gospel present a way of living that is contrary to the ways of the world. David chooses not to kill Saul as recommended by Abishai, even though Saul is the one pursuing David with an army ten times the size of David’s. Jesus takes the mercy shown by David to an even higher level in our Gospel, instructing us to “Be merciful as the Father is merciful.”
Gospel Explained
Luke continues his Sermon on the Plain. A characteristic of Luke’s writings is emphasis on mercy toward others. This teaching is based on the mercy shown by the Father who offers undeserved forgiveness to all sinners. Jesus instructs the disciples to show mercy in all their dealings with others. Jesus speaks out against vindictiveness because of mistreatment or injury. No matter what a person does to another - insults, ill-treatment, or even injury – Christians should seek nothing but the person’s highest good.
Jesus’s commands are clear: Love must replace hatred, blessings should defeat curses, generosity ought to replace selfishness, and forgiveness must replace hostility. Above all, prayer should be offered for “those who mistreat you.” (Lk. 6:28) Jesus also gives what we know as the Golden Rule, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Lk. 6:31).
Jesus concludes today’s Gospel by encouraging his followers to overcome hatred and oppression just as He did through forgiveness and love, and ultimately through His sacrificial death. If we forgive others for their sins against us, God will absolve us from our sins at the last judgment.
Jesus tells us today, “Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you.” (Lk. 6:37-38) St. Augustine describes the two precepts, give and forgive, as two essential wings of prayer: “These are the two wings of prayer on which it flies to God. Pardon the offender what has been committed and give to the person in need.” (Sermon 205.3).
Today's Theme
Today’s theme is God’s Endless Mercy. David acted with endless mercy toward Saul by not killing him. He would not harm one who is “anointed by God.” That endless mercy did not go unrewarded, as Saul eventually repented and gave his blessing to David saying, “Blessed are you, my son David! You shall certainly succeed in whatever you undertake.”(1Sam. 26:25) Jesus takes this theme to an even higher level. He removes the commonsense law of reciprocity. Justice will come, but Jesus tells us to leave judgment to our heavenly Father. Jesus wants us to be people of love and mercy, so that others can see Him through us.
Theme in our Life Today
As we move forward in our faith journey, we are called to extend endless mercy to others, even when it’s difficult. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and do good to them. We are being called to see others as Jesus and the Father see them, as beloved children of God. We are all called to be “children of the Most High.” We must look past the sins of others, leaving their judgment to the mercy of God. We are to imitate the Father’s endless mercy in all our relationships with others. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us.
How do we do this? Certainly not by our own power. Living this way requires theological courage. We normally think of courage in terms of taking charge of the situation and acting with leadership. But the theological courage required here is the courage to surrender. In surrendering our will and our hearts to God, we receive from Him the grace necessary to act with endless mercy.
Giving endless love and mercy are two characteristics that distinguish us as Christians, beloved sons and daughters of God. These two are what set us apart from the rest of the non-believing world around us. Christians should stand out as different! If someone who knew nothing about any religion was given today’s Gospel as the definition of Christianity, would they be able to identify us as a Christian?
Finally, being recognized by others as a Christian does not necessarily bring us joy. Doing God’s will bring us the inner joy that cannot be exceeded. But even more fruit comes from our acts of endless love and mercy. Those receiving our love and mercy get a chance to know our loving and merciful God through us.
Prepare for Sunday
1. When have you felt called to love an enemy? When have you not treated an enemy in this way?
2. When have you prayed for someone who has mistreated you? When have you wished bad things on someone who has mistreated you?
3. When have you experienced God’s mercy? What did your experience teach you about being merciful to others?