Reflection for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23; Psalm 103; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38

“Forgive and you will be forgiven”

Jesus prescribes an amazing antidote today for suffering endured from others.  Do you remember a time when you were mistreated, cheated, or ignored?  You were likely hurt.  Emotional storm clouds might have moved in quickly around you.  Tears may have welled up or you could have recoiled, intending to offer a thunderous rebuff.  “Justice!” your mind might have cried.

Instead, Jesus’ words to us today are like the sun breaking out after a terrible storm. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you….”  Wonderful!  There is no need any more for retribution.  “Pray for those who mistreat you.”  Let go of that burden.   We can almost hear the relieved laughter among a rain-soaked crowd as the heavy clouds part.

Jesus shocked our natural expectations again this week.  We can even imagine some gasps in the group as Our Lord continued to relay his messages of mercy and forgiveness.  But what a relief to let go!  Besides, anger is a lightening bolt in that storm that zaps the energy we need to do good things.

And among the Lord’s words today we find the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  What could be more reasonable?

The Son breaks through the clouds…

The fair weather of the Christian life keeps improving as Jesus promises rewards on the horizon. “Stop judging and you will not be judged.”  “Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.”

The sun shines more brightly…

“Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure packed together, shaken down and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.”

Beneath a clear, blue sky…

The crowd cheers!  We can imagine the Communion of Saints cheering, too.

By our holy response to injuries, we have this same reward of rejoicing.  God blesses us so abundantly when we treat his other children mercifully, as Jesus taught in today’s Gospel.  How different this is from many messages we receive in our world today!  It is our responsibility, and privilege, now to pass this joy and freedom along, by word and example.

Dear friends, you have opened to us many rays of sunshine, as you have showered us with your messages, prayers, and gifts, and we are grateful.

The ever-generous Lord will surely also pour His gifts into your hearts and lives, “a good measure, …overflowing.”

We ask him to do this every day.

“Give, and gifts will be given to you”