Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
23 February 2025
First Reading: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians, 15:45-49
Gospel: Luke 6:27-38
Reflection
By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala
Love your enemies. This is the fundamental command of Jesus in today's Gospel. This sounds beautiful and good but when we face real-life situations of betrayal, insult, or injustice, our hearts often resist. Forgiveness is difficult because of our ego. When someone wrongs us, our pride is hurt. We feel disrespected, taken for granted, or even humiliated. Some of us would have said, “I will never forget what they did to me.” Or “I will forgive, but I won’t talk to them anymore.” Some even say, “I’ll forgive… if they apologize first.” However, all these things make us bitter, restless, and heavy inside. It imprisons our hearts that makes us numb and empty.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to free ourselves from the imprisonment of hatred through Mercy and Love. It is a radical movement within us when our empty heart were filled with the Mercy and Love of God. The word for love used here is agapē, meaning unconditional love. This isn’t about emotions; it’s a decision to will the good of the other person.
It is God who loves us first. Even in our sinfulness, God forgives us. He forgives us even when we don’t deserve it. He asks us to do the same. And if we hold on to grudges, we close ourselves off from God’s grace. But if we give mercy, we receive mercy.
God’s mercy is not just an idea—it’s an invitation to freedom. The more we let go of resentment, the lighter our hearts become. Jesus does not ask us to forgive because it’s easy. He asks us because it is the path to true peace.
And so, let us ask ourselves: Are we holding onto grudges? Are we still carrying past hurts? May we have the courage to let go, to trust in God’s justice, and to love as Christ loves. Amen.
Prayer
God our loving Father,
You gave us knowledge and wisdom
To know the truth.
Grant us the grace of Mercy and Love
For us to love each other even those who have wronged us
That we may also become an instrument of your love and mercy to others.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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