HE KNOWS US THROUGH AND THROUGH
Jesus calls for compassion and forgiveness. Wow
this is tough stuff, but the Gospel tells us those who lead lives based on
these values qualify as truly blessed and wise.
Who qualifies as the truly blessed person, and is truly wise? The Gospel
of Luke responds to this compelling question by listing key Gospel values. Such
values include love of enemies, turning the other cheek, and giving one's tunic
in addition to the cloak as well. Is there even more? Possibly in God's eyes!
He insists on giving without any thought of receiving and lending but without
any expectation of future compensation. On top of all this, Jesus calls for
compassion and forgiveness. Wow this is tough stuff, but the Gospel tells us
those who lead lives based on these values qualify as truly blessed and wise.
Well let's ponder on this question today, what makes Christians
different? It is grace - treating others, not as we might judge they deserve,
but as our heavenly Father wishes them to be treated - with loving-kindness and
mercy. God is a lavish giver to the unjust as well as the just. His love
embraces rather than pushes away. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to
seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate us. Our love for others,
even those who are ungrateful and selfish, must be marked by the same kindness
and mercy which Jesus taught his disciples and us in today's word.
In the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim: Let everything that breathes
praise our God (Ps 150.) He knows our thoughts, our words, our going and
coming. God knows our motives and passions, our loyalty and failings, our
personalities. We need to remember He knows us better then we know ourselves.
May He give you and I, the supreme grace of self-knowledge face-to-face with
Him in the context of His creation.
With God all things are possible, with his grace may we be free from
malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and to receive the courage we need to
return evil with good. Love and grace has power to heal and to save. As Paul
had wrote in the Letter to the Colossians - over all put on Love!
May we be blessed and wise.