“But 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. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful…Stop judging…stop condemning, forgive and you will be forgiven.”
If we wished to choose one word to describe the ministry of Pope Francis, it would be ‘mercy.’ His writings reflect this teaching of Jesus in the beatitudes. He proclaimed a holy year of mercy. He constantly is extending the compassionate hand of Jesus to the poor and marginalized.
Luke’s teaching asks us to consider what seems so difficult. Love enemies, give without expecting a return, be concerned for ungrateful and those so distant from the gospel.
When you are driving and someone cuts you off, pray for him. If you are offended by someone’s remark, chalk it up to a bad day and don’t brood over it. Don’t live the expression ‘I don’t get mad, I just get even.’ Spend a moment discerning who might be an ‘enemy’ and seek a way to open the door to friendship, by prayer, a smile, or another sign of peace.
Didn’t Jesus tell us to forgive so we may be forgiven?