Thursday, 12 September 2024. Readings: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13, Ps. 139:1-3,13-14,23-24, Luke 6:27-38
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Christianity is beautiful, but this beauty only shines when we practice Jesus’ difficult teachings. From denying oneself, carrying one’s cross, and forgiving others endlessly to loving God over and above earthly riches, Jesus seems to be asking the impossible from us. In yesterday’s Gospel passage (Luke 6:22-23), Jesus told us to consider it a blessing to suffer persecution because of Him. Today, Jesus says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
- Is it too much to love those who hate you? Jesus asked: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” In other words, what makes you different from others? Even devil worshippers love those who love them (Cf. Luke 6:33-34). A Christian is like God, who lets His rain fall on the good and the bad alike. (Cf. Matthew 5:45). A Christian loves his enemies. When we hate our enemies, we scandalise unbelievers.
- Jesus says: “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.” How can we be merciful like God? By refusing to conclude anyone (holding back negative judgment), We tend to judge people by what they do, but God judges us by the good we can do. Even if we are bad, God still expects the best from us. This is why God doesn’t strike us down immediately.
- Many claim to be Christians but do not love their enemies. They are always issuing curses and wishing evil against their enemies. If God were to grant everyone exactly what they ask in prayer, the human race would have become extinct by now. Do you know that wishing evil for others boomerangs in your life?
- Thank God for your enemies. Always wish them well. Enemies are blessings in disguise; they help to bring out the best in us. Enemies remind us to be careful and prayerful. Enemies serve as road signs, speed bumps, and other safety signals that prevent us from road accidents. Enemies are like hot water that helps to cook the food. Do you wish to get to the top or see your dreams come true? Pray to have enough enemies to challenge you.
- It is easy to help those who help us, but Jesus wants us to go the extra mile to help those who can never (or will never) repay you. Cultivate the habit of putting smiles on the faces of everyone you encounter, no matter who that person is. When you give, Jesus says, “Never expect repayment, but your reward will be great.” (Luke 6:35). Humans are naturally ungrateful, so don’t expect people to thank you. However, nothing escapes God’s watchful eyes; He will reward you in due time.
- Another source of scandal is idolatry. In today’s First Reading, St. Paul warns against giving scandals to those whose consciences are weak by participating (directly or indirectly) in idol worship. You cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24, Luke 6:13). As Jesus says, it would be better for a person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck than to lead a neophyte (catechumen) astray. (Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to love our enemies, to wish them well, and to let go of hurtful memories. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 23 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13, Ps. 139:1-3,13-14,23-24, Luke 6:27-38).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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