1 Corinthians 8:lb-7.11-13,
Psalm 139: 1-3.13-14ab.23-24,
Luke 6:27-38 Full Readings
Saint Thomas of VillanovaReturning Good for Evil.
Luke's version of the beatitudes gives a detailed message about the relationship we should have with our fellows, Matthew puts emphasis on Christian attitudes but Luke focuses more on the blessing of those in real and dire need.
Today's Gospel has a central message of returning good for the evil. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us and do good to all, even those who do bad to us. For this is what makes us unique as Christians. Furthermore he teaches us the golden rule, to do to others what we would like to be done to us. It follows therefore that if we want to be forgiven, we must forgive, if we want much we must give much and many other good things which we need, we must do them to others.
As Christians, the only force which solves conflicts is love, and returning good for the evil. When we do this, we refuse to be drawn into the evil or resentment of the other. Not revenging is not a sign of weakness but it is a strength within expressed by a person led by the Spirit of the Lord.
Many Christians have suffered loss of appetite, sleeplessness, poor health and unnecessary pain because they harbor and foster hatred towards their enemies both real and imagined! In the gospel, the Lord admonishes this, urging us to injure our enemies with love! In the words of G.K Chesterton, we are to love our neighbours and also to love our enemies probably because they are generally the same people – that man in our neighbourhood who has traded bad information about us, the one we presume hates us, the one who ridiculed and reviled us. We must never allow them to pull us into their hatred but we must bathe them in love.
What makes Christians different and distinct from any other religion is grace - treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated - with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saints and sinners alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return? How have we practiced this grace of loving whole not expecting something in return.
The Gospel also brings aspects of giving and forgiving. Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) describes Jesus double precept to give and forgive as two essential wings of prayer:
"Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given you. These are the two wings of prayer on which it flies to God. Pardon the offender what has been committed, and give to the person in need" (Sermon 205.3). "Let us graciously and fervently perform these two types of almsgiving, that is, giving and forgiving, for we in turn pray to the Lord to give us things and not to repay our evil deeds" (Sermon 206.2).
The other one is less and do not curse. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe in and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. That is why Paul the Apostle tells those who know the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to "bless and not curse.. nor take revenge.. and to overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:14,17,21). Do you as a Christian try always to overcome evil by good, violence by nonviolence? Reflect on these aspects today and become believing.
Let us Pray
As I strive daily to become compassionate as the Father in heaven is compassionate, send me your Holy Spirit Lord to lead and guide on this journey and to always overcome evil with doing good. Amen
Be blessed
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