MY daily reflection and prayer:
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to Luke 6:27-38
Jesus Christ says, “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 every one 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.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
THE Gospel today tells us our vocation as the followers of Jesus Christ. We are called to treat others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated with loving-kindness and mercy.
Of course, it is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. But how much harder when we can expect nothing in return.
Jesus Christ wants us to bless and do not curse. We pray for those who do us ill. We bless those who curse us and pray for those who abuse us. It both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist while worshipping Jesus Christ, we bless those who curse us, and pray for those who abuse us. We love those who cause us harm. With Jesus Christ all things are possible.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, give us power and grace to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who abuse us, and to love those who cause us harm. May we sow peace and harmony in our daily lives now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
