Retaliation and love of Enemies

The Sunday Gospel [February 20, 2011]

Matthew 5:38-48

Retaliation and love of Enemies

[Jesus said to his disciples:] 38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 40If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. 42Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? 48So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Reflection

“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ~ Jesus, vv. 44.48

The word perfect in Aramaic (the language Jesus spoke) means “completeness” or “wholeness – not lacking in what is essential.” In the Old Testament, a person is “perfect” when he is “upright or blameless” (Genesis 6:9; Job 1:1; Psalm 37:37). 

The perfect God we worship knows we cannot be perfect. But He wants us to strive for perfection. How? We can surrender our wills to the Holy Spirit. We can also do things which can bring us to perfection. For example, if we reflect on our own sins first, we might be able to forgive more easily. We might even discover that our sins are far worse than those who have hurt us. So, who are we if we cannot forgive others? Remember also that God knows what is going on. He also knows what is best for us. So let go and let God be God. If you are a Catholic go to confession. The priest will help you forgive and love the unlovable.

Before going to confession, pray for the people who have hurt you. Begin with yourself and the people close to you. Recall their sins and forgive them. If you can do this, expect miracles to come your way.

Note: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarro-abel.blogspot.com/)