Loving as God loves requires a transformation of heart and mind

Gospel: Luke 6:27–38
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them … 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.

When Jesus said, “Love your enemy,” he was not unmindful of its stringent qualities. Yet he meant every word of it. Our responsibility as Christians is to discover the meaning of this command and seek passionately to live it in our daily lives.

We need to reflect on some of the assumptions we hold about forgiveness, many of which, as we will see, are incorrect.

Who is truly blessed, in my value system?

Gospel: Luke 6:17, 20–26
Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.

Those who live comfortable lives have been given much to think about and if they follow Jesus they will wisely use their wealth to help the poor, hungry and weeping ones Jesus calls blessed.

God’s call to the first disciples/God’s call to me

Gospel: Luke 5:1–11
Simon Peter said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

Peter saw his own flaws very clearly, and told Jesus he was not worthy. In his finer moments, Peter recognized his human failures, and in admitting them, he opened his heart to all the rest of humanity--flawed, troubled, needy humanity.

Jesus’ rejection by those with whom he grew up

Gospel: Luke 4:21–30
He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?”

Prophetic voices being rejected by their own is a phenomenon only too common in our own day. And it was something Jesus foretold would happen to his followers, simply for being his followers and proclaiming his vision of life. In the meantime, let us make Jesus’ mission statement our own. It is what being a Christian means.