The liturgy of the word today is reflecting the hard teaching of Christ on love and care; the adjustments and efforts we must make to qualify as his authentic disciples. David in the first reading demonstrated his loving kindness to Saul. He was gentle and respectful to Saul who exceedingly hated him and was after his life. He ran away to the mountain to save his life. But events later turned around against Saul as he was put into David’s hands who had every opportunity to take away his life, but he did not. He respected Saul, his archenemy, like every other person and even more as the Lord’s anointed. He spared his life and forgave him, which for me is a perfect example of forgiveness of one’s enemy after the command of Christ as he has directed in the gospel today.
Love of Enemies
The first instruction of Christ to his disciples in the Gospel today is: ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you’ (Lk 6:27-28), which is the teaching of ‘the new way’; ‘the way of life and of Christ’.
The instruction of Christ is totally different from the Old Testament version of ‘eye for eye and tooth for tooth’ (Ex21: 23), which aligns with human nature as we are naturally selfish. We would always like to count ourselves first in everything before others contrary to the way of Christ. He wants us to count others first, including our enemies, before considering ourselves. But for most people, it is hard. It is easier said than done.
Ordinarily, in life, some people would not like to be seen to be weak when confronted with a situation like that of David’s. To many, revenge would be their first reaction when one dares them. Patience is absent in their dictionary. You would need to be altruistic and Christlike to withhold yourself from taking revenge. But that is what Christ wants to achieve among his disciples. He wants his disciples to sheath their sword before their enemies. Be selfless, considerate, forgiving and loving, which is a huge struggle for many. It honestly takes the grace of God to achieve self-restraint.
Making a Difference and Reward
In this gospel, Jesus explained that there is no difference made if we love those who love us or do good to those who do good to us. It is normal for everyone to do so. Even sinners do the same. It is a natural response that we give or the pay back to friendship and relationship. But there is a huge difference when we do the contrary. Especially in loving our enemy. Doing good to those who hate us. Lending without expecting anything in return. That is where lies the difference according to Christ. It sets one out and distinguishes him or her from the normal norm which is very sacrificial and not easy to come by, and that’s exactly what Christ did. He died for us even when we were still sinners, out of love without much expectation from us. He only wants us to do the same to others, to love as he loves.
Love conquers all things and that is what Christ teaches us to adhere to. This is because ‘an eye for an eye’ will not resolve the problem but would ‘soon make the whole world blind’ according to Mahatma Gandhi. Both are wrong and cannot be right. The right thing is what Christ teaches -love, forgiveness, and that’s the difference he wants us to make in his footsteps.
That notwithstanding, loving as Christ loves (even our enemy) and doing good to those who hate us is very significant and rewarding. It makes us very outstanding everywhere before God and man because it is a Godly way of life. It is exceptional and you will also get the same reward when in need, and of course the assurance of eternal blessedness for being Christlike.
The Measure of Yourself for Another
Advancing his teaching, Christ went as far as setting examples for us as the yardstick to realize the goal of his loving kindness. He wants us to see ourselves in the conditions of others – the enemy, the poor, the sinner, the offender, etc. And see if we would like to be treated that way if we were to be in their shoes. If you would like to be looked after while hungry, why would you not like to look after yourself in another hungry person. If you would not like jungle justice, why do you give it to another, etc.
Do we see ourselves in others? That is the measure Christ is talking about. The measure you give to another you will receive. Hence, he says: ‘be merciful, even as your Father is merciful… forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. For with the measure you use will be measured back to you (Lk6:38). In summary, we are required to treat others as we would like to be treated. That is the golden rule of Christ.
Conclusion
The teaching of Christ is very hard but transformative and rewarding. It is the new commandment that would enthrone peace and expand the reign of God everywhere. Loving as Christ loves is the Christian way of discipleship. It opens the door of heaven to believers. Let us do our best therefore to live in the footsteps of Christ and his teachings. Love is everlasting and conquers every evil.
Peace be with you.
[Readings: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38]
