Gospel (Lk 6:27-38)

“But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Commentary

The Beatitudes have been called Jesus’ “self-portrait.” In a special way He makes known his heart -- the Heart of the Son who has received everything from the Father – when He teaches what the way of life should be of those who follow Him.

If we want to become children of the Most High, we have a very clear template: mercy, forgiveness, meekness and love even for our enemies. In Jesus, especially in his Passion, this attitude shines forth in a sublime way. The silent and prayerful self-giving of his life shows us his teaching expressed in deeds. Also now, seated at the right hand of the Father, the Son of the Most High lavishes infinite mercy on sinners and is always ready to forgive.

But the goal for us is very high, and can seem like an unattainable ideal.

Jesus is the Way; that is how He defines himself for us. And his Word not only exhorts, consoles and transmits a message, but above all it is Grace. The heroic behavior asked of the disciples is not impossible. But his teachings have to be received with faith, meditated on in faith, made one’s own, convinced that all things are possible for the one who believes. Then we will be able to follow Him closely, to imitate Him, to find in Him a clear reference for our daily conduct when relating to others, in family life, at work, in our social interactions. And we will truly transform this world, so marred by coldness and confrontations.