TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
23 FEBRUARY, 2025
Luke 6:27-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“To you who hear I say,
love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
To the person who strikes you on one cheek,
offer the other one as well,
and from the person who takes your cloak,
do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you,
and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For if you love those who love you,
what credit is that to you?
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?
Even sinners do the same.
If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners,
and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give, and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus calls us to a love that surpasses human nature—a love that embraces even our enemies. He challenges us to respond to hatred with kindness, to forgive without limits, and to give without expecting anything in return. This teaching is difficult because it goes against our natural desire for justice and fairness. Yet, Jesus reminds us that true discipleship means imitating God’s mercy.
Loving our enemies does not mean approving of wrongdoing, but rather choosing grace over resentment. When we bless those who hurt us and trust in God’s justice, we break the cycle of hatred and reflect His divine love. Jesus assures us that when we give freely—whether love, forgiveness, or generosity—we will receive abundantly in return. This passage invites us to live with a heart open to love, knowing that God’s mercy toward us is the greatest example of how we should love others.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, teach me to love as You love, even when it is difficult. Fill my heart with compassion for those who hurt me, and give me the strength to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me to bless those who oppose me and to show kindness without expecting anything in return. Lord, let my life reflect Your mercy and generosity. Free me from bitterness, and replace it with a heart that overflows with grace. Guide my words, actions, and thoughts, so that I may be a light of Your love in this world. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen
