Can We Love, Bless, and Pray for those who Curse or Mistreat us?

This Sunday’s readings are connected by the theme of mercy over vengeance and is a call for us to reflect God’s nature. The first reading recounts David sparing the life of Saul even though Saul pursued David to kill him. David chose mercy and righteousness over vengeance, exemplifying the command Jesus teaches in the Gospel— "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that as while we bear the image of the earthly man, Adam, as followers of Christ, we are called to model after the heavenly man, Jesus and live a new way of life.Today’s Gospel sets out this heavenly model, the challenge to show love to our enemies, just as David did with Saul and as Christ did on the cross. Fr Vincent reminds us that we are asked to go the extra mile, to be compassionate as God is compassionate, and treat others as we would like to be treated. On our own, we are not able to live this radical love, but with God, we can. Despite our imperfections, we are called to live in accordance with Christ’s teachings and love as God loves.- Sunday Homily by Fr. Vincent Low, C.Ss.R. (23 February 2025)