1 Samuel 26.2,7-9,12-13,22-23・Ps.103.3+4,8+13,11+12 ・ 1 Corinthians 15.45-49・Luke 6.27-38
Today`s readings teach us about mercy, forgiveness, and love. All these are founded in the mercy, forgiveness and love attributed to Jesus who was seen by many during ministry on earth as such. Our readings therefore teach us further that to live like Jesus in our everyday lives means being merciful, forgiving and loving.
Power, authority, riches, and position in the society are closely linked with each other and come in many kinds and facets. People who have all these are primarily called to become merciful, forgiving and loving. We can learn from the story about Saul and David in our first reading.
Each one is called to be merciful, forgiving and loving. Our Gospel reading presents to us further details and guidance on how to enact specifically on our calling. Jesus tells His disciples to love their enemies, to do good to those who hate them, and pray for them. The disciples were encouraged to be a little different from others who actually can also love but loving only those who love them. In this manner, let us try to see the difference, and re-evaluate our motivation in showing love to others.
For the reason that we need to protect and preserve ourselves against people who are ungrateful and against people who do not share our opinions and lifestyles, and for many other reasons, we are inclined to close our hearts to the message of the Gospel. Let us pray for our change of heart daily and live closer to the Gospel message.