Living as true disciple of Jesus

Today’s Gospel presents one of the most difficult teachings of Jesus—“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). This command goes against our natural instincts. The world tells us to seek revenge, to return harm for harm, to demand justice on our terms. But Jesus calls us to a radical love, a love that reflects the mercy of God Himself.

These words, positioned immediately after the Beatitudes and Woes, could well be seen as the core of Jesus' teaching about the love and compassion that Christians should have towards others. Throughout His earthly life, and particularly on the cross (Luke 23:34), Jesus sets an example for us: "In loving our enemies there shines forth in us some likeness to God our Father, who, by the death of his Son, ransomed from everlasting perdition and reconciled to himself the human race, which previously was most unfriendly and hostile to him" (Roman Catechism, 4, 14, 19).

Our readings today help us to understand and embrace this divine challenge. We will reflect on three key aspects: (1) Mercy over vengeance, (2) The example of Jesus, and (3) The rewards of divine love.

1. Mercy Over Vengeance – The Example of David (First Reading)

The First Reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of David sparing the life of King Saul. Saul was hunting David, seeking to kill him out of jealousy and fear. One night, David had the perfect opportunity to take Saul’s life, but he chose mercy over vengeance. He recognized that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to man.

David’s choice foreshadows the mercy that Jesus calls us to practice. When faced with betrayal, opposition, or mistreatment, how do we respond? The world teaches retaliation, but God calls us to forgive, to let go, and to trust in His justice.

2. The Example of Jesus – Love Without Limits (Gospel Reading)

In the opening verses (Luke 6:27-30), our Lord lists some trials and tribulations we might encounter and how we should respond to them. The Semitic style of teaching by way of drawing contrasts conveys very vividly this teaching, which is summed up in verse 31: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.”

In verses 32-34, Jesus prepares us for the real reason why we should act as He describes: it is the behavior befitting a child of God (v. 35) who wants to imitate his or her merciful Father (v. 36). “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” This verse parallels Matthew’s teaching: “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

Mercy is the way to a close union with God, and Jesus, the Son of God, is the incarnation of divine mercy. St. Caesarius of Arles reminds us: “Everyone wants to have mercy shown to them, but few show mercy to others. [...] The human mercy we show during the pilgrimage of our life on earth will be repaid with divine mercy in our heavenly homeland.”

Loving our enemies does not mean accepting injustice or allowing harm, but it does mean refusing to return evil for evil. It means treating others not as they deserve, but as God treats us—with love and mercy.

3. The Rewards of Divine Love (Second Reading & Gospel)

St. Paul, in the Second Reading, reminds us that we are called to bear the image of Christ. If we follow the ways of the world, we remain as Adam—earthly and bound by sin. But when we live in Christ’s love, we become like Him, transformed by grace.

Jesus reassures us that loving our enemies is not in vain:

“Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38)
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

The Lord adds one final, inescapable condition: “For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” St. Cyprian warns that our sins will not be forgiven if we do not forgive the offenses others commit against us.

The Golden Rule (Luke 6:31) is the foundation of Christian ethics. Jesus teaches that mercy is the towering rule of His kingdom and a mark of the children of God (Luke 6:35-36). Holiness under the Old Covenant meant separation from sin, but Jesus redefines holiness as active mercy, reaching out to others, rather than dividing people into camps of purity and impurity.

How can we live out this radical love in our daily lives?

Pray for those who hurt you. Instead of holding resentment, lift them up in prayer.
Respond with kindness. A gentle word can break the cycle of hatred.
Forgive as you have been forgiven. Remember how much God has forgiven you.
Trust in God’s justice. Leave vengeance to the Lord and choose mercy.
Give generously. Jesus promises that God will return to us abundantly when we give without counting the cost (Luke 6:38).

Conclusion:

Dear friends, loving our enemies is one of the hardest commands, but it is also one of the most powerful. It is the love of Christ that transforms the world.

As we approach the Eucharist today, let us ask Jesus for the grace to love as He loves, to forgive as He forgives, and to live as true disciples in a world that desperately needs His mercy