We are now on the seventh Sunday in the Ordinary Time and approaching the Lenten season. Today’s Gospel is the continuation of the teaching of Jesus on the mountain. The message of the Gospel is all about loving our enemies.
We know that for us humans, it is difficult to forgive our enemies quickly. From a philosophical perspective, we also know that God is Perfect; everyone or everything is imperfect. In Jesus’ declaration, God’s perfection has to do with God’s love and forgiveness.
Who are our enemies? Our enemies are those people who persecute, judge and betray us. But we can ask ourselves: What kind of love do we need to show to our enemies? The love that we need to give is the love that God taught us; to love unconditionally. Just as God sets no conditions nor requirements to love us, we are called to do the same toward our neighbors.
Even though we are sinners, God forgives us without any condition. In the upcoming Lenten season, we may prepare ourselves, repent for all our sins, forgive all our enemies, and love them unconditionally, just as Jesus loves us. As a reminder, we should not forget that God is kind, merciful, and just.
Brothers and sisters, let us include all the people who have difficulty forgiving their enemies in our prayers. May the Holy Spirit enlighten their minds and hearts so that they may learn from God how to love their neighbors. Amen
