Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

It can be so tempting to repay unkindness with vengeance and imposition with rejection. However, these are selfish desires and do not reflect the commandment to love others as God loves us. God’s love is unselfish, it is given without expectation of return. In the same way, our acts of charity should be made not be engender praise or love for us, but because it is the right thing to do. Nor should our works of mercy be given half-heartedly or our forgiveness conditionally. If we want to be good and faithful servants of God, then our love must be selfless, freely-given, and persevering.

Are our hearts merciful and generous even to our enemies? What can we do to better know, love, and serve those who have hurt us? How can we do the same for those who take advantage of us?

O Lord, make our hearts fonts of your love and mercy.

Amen.