Love Your Enemies

02-23-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

Today’s Gospel (Luke 6:27-38) presents one of the most radical teachings of Jesus: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This command is difficult to live out, yet it is at the heart of Christian discipleship. Jesus calls us to a love that goes beyond human instinct- a love that mirrors the boundless mercy of God.

We see an example of this in the first reading (1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23), where David has the perfect opportunity to take revenge on King Saul, who has been hunting him down. Yet, David chooses mercy over vengeance, refusing to harm “the Lord’s anointed.” He recognizes that justice belongs to God, not man. His act of restraint and mercy foreshadows Jesus’ teaching that love must be unconditional and not based on how others treat us.

The Gospel takes this further by challenging us not just to refrain from harming our enemies but to actively do good for them. Jesus asks us to offer the other cheek, to give freely without expecting return, and to lend generously. This is not weakness- it is strength rooted in faith. It is a love that refuses to be dictated by hatred or resentment. It is the love of Christ on the cross, who prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians (15:45-49) reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to bear the image of the “heavenly man.” Just as Christ’s love is radical and self-giving, so too must ours be. Loving those who love us is easy, but Jesus asks for something greater- to love as God loves. The reward is not just earthly peace but a transformation of our hearts, making us true children of the Most High.

This Gospel challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we holding onto resentment? Do we judge and condemn others easily? Jesus’ words remind us that “the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” If we want to receive mercy, we must first extend it. True Christian love is not about fairness- it is about grace. It is a call to reflect God’s mercy in a world that often chooses retaliation over forgiveness.

As we reflect on these readings, may we have the courage to love beyond human limits, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to trust that God’s justice is greater than our own. Let us ask for the grace to love as Christ loves-freely, mercifully, and without condition.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC