Seventh Sunday After Epiphany February 23, 2025
Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." Luke 6:27-38
We live in hope for a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, put into our laps. These times do not feel like good measure, rather we feel shattered, scattered, afraid and useless. We are prone to demonizing others, seeking to blame others for our discomfort and fears. In times like these we find Jesus calling us to love, bless, pray, give and forgive. The contrast is startling. We want to fight back, curse, build protective walls, and hold on to our meager possessions. Our freedom and our belonging as children of the most high is found in our readiness to love, share, be merciful and always forgive. These days we are tested yes, and we are loved and blessed beyond measure.
Merciful Creator, you are kind and loving
to the ungrateful and the wicked ones
and are the source of all good measure.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.
Our time on earth causes us to tremble
desiring to retreat from the violence
locking ourselves away from our enemies.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.
You call us to love those whom we fear
to embrace those whom we have demonized
and to be generous and forgiving always.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.
We cannot love on our own force of will
yet you promise to supply all of our needs.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.
We are weak and give into our anger
yet you forgive us and call us to forgive.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies.
Make us your followers, able to love all
so the world might see you here today.
Lord Jesus, give us the strength to love our enemies. Amen.
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