LOVING AS GOD LOVES US

Homily for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Texts: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38

Being a Christian is not easy. At times, it comes with some radical and difficult demands - like the ones we hear in today’s Gospel reading. Jesus calls us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and be merciful just as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:27-38). Apparently, theses teaching go against the natural human response to injustice and offense. How can we love those who have wronged us? How can we forgive when we are deeply hurt? Usually, our first instinct is often to retaliate or seek revenge. But then, today’s readings invite us to something higher - to love and show compassion as God loves us.

The first reading presents the story of David and Saul - a perfect example of mercy and love in action. King Saul was jealous of David and had been hunting him to kill him. But in a surprising turn of events, David found Saul asleep and vulnerable. This was the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy. His companion, Abishai, even encouraged him to take advantage of the situation. But David refused, saying: “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9).

Instead of seeking revenge, David chose mercy. He spared Saul’s life and entrusted judgment to God. David’s attitude teaches us that mercy does not mean weakness; rather, it shows strength of character. It shows us that true love is choosing not to harm, even when we have the power to do so. Like David, we must learn to trust in God’s justice rather than take revenge into our own hands. 

This act of mercy by David foreshadows the radical love of Christ, which we see fully revealed in today’s Gospel. There, Jesus presents a revolutionary teaching that challenges human logic: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). This is not ordinary love, but a divine, unconditional love that goes beyond emotions and personal preferences. The world says: “Hurt those who hurt you.” “Make them pay for what they did.” “Never let anyone take advantage of you.” But Jesus says, “Love your enemies: Not just tolerate them, but actively love them.” “Do good to those who hate you: Respond to hatred with acts of kindness.” “Bless those who curse you: Speak words of life, even when others insult you.” “Pray for those who mistreat you: Lift them up to God instead of wishing them harm.”

Jesus does not ask us to love because our enemies deserve it, but because this is how God loves us. God loves us even when we sin (Romans 5:8). God forgives even when we fail (Psalm 103:8-12). God shows mercy even when we do not deserve it (Luke 15:20-24). As such, we are called to reflect this same love in our relationship with others. Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing; it means letting go of hatred, and the best way to forgive those who have hurt us is to pray for me.  Instead of gossiping or seeking revenge, pray for your offenders. Prayer softens the heart.

In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about two Adams. The first Adam (earthly man) represents our natural human tendencies - pride, revenge, and self-interest. The second Adam (Christ) represents our transformed life in God - love, mercy, and compassion. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man (1 Corinthians 15:49). As Christians therefore, we are called to imitate Christ, not the world. If the world retaliates, we forgive. If the world hates, we love. If the world seeks revenge, we show mercy. This is not easy, but it is the path of true discipleship.

Lastly, at the end of the Gospel reading, Jesus gives us a beautiful promise: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38). Loving as God loves attracts divine blessings. When we forgive, when we show compassion, when we love unconditionally - God fills our lives with his grace and mercy. May God give us the grace to love as he loves, to forgive as he forgives, and to be merciful as he is merciful. Amen.