7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) – 23rd February 2025

Quick Glance Summary

• Theme: See others as God sees them, even and especially your enemies.
• Key Message: Jesus calls us to a radical way of living by showing love, forgiveness, and generosity, even to those who harm us.
• First Reading (1 Samuel 26:2, 7–9, 12–13, 22–23): David spares Saul’s life, choosing mercy over vengeance, trusting in God’s justice.
• Psalm (Psalm 102[103]): A song of praise for God’s mercy and compassion, slow to anger and rich in kindness.
• Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:45–49): St Paul contrasts Adam, the earthly man, with Christ, the heavenly man. As Jesus was changed, so too will be changed.
• Gospel (Luke 6:27–38): Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, to forgive others, and to be merciful, seeing them in their humanity even as God sees them.

Gospel: Luke 6:27–38

Jesus said to His disciples: ‘But I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you.

If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High, for He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.’

Overview of the Gospel

This Gospel contains Jesus’ revolutionary teaching to love our enemies and show mercy to all, reflecting the boundless compassion of God. Jesus challenges human inclinations toward revenge and self-interest by presenting a higher standard: responding to hatred with love and to wrongdoing with forgiveness. The Golden Rule—treating others as we would want to be treated—forms the heart of His message. Jesus concludes with a call to imitate God’s generosity, reminding us that divine mercy is not earned but freely given.

Connecting the Gospel to Today’s Context

When we are used to the teachings of Jesus, we hardly notice how strange they are. Calling the poor “blessed”! Saying ‘alas’ for the rich. Calling the hungry and those in crisis “happy”; saying that those who have their fill of laughter and food are to be pitied. The same is true this weekend. Loving enemies; accepting bad treatment; giving when there will be no getting back. Not judging; being compassionate. Where will all this end? Where does it lead? What is Jesus getting at? What effect does such behaviour - and Jesus is focused firstly on how we behave - what effect does such behaviour have? 

Feelings follow footsteps. Actions change people. What we do has an effect on who we become. If no one ever took small steps to change, nothing would ever change. Small steps like saying ‘hello’, making ‘small talk’ can lead a person away from shyness and self-focus and towards seeing the real humanity in others. When we let the hurts of life limit our actions, when we let the past limit how we view others, we might well be justified… but are we seeing the whole picture of other folk? Are we seeing the world as God sees it? Are we seeing the humanity (damaged and dimmed as it may be) in other folk whom God equally loves? As Jesus says: the Most High is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 

Jesus is calling us to broaden our outlook and to grow in character. Doing as he suggests, even in small ways can develop us even as we face the hurts that others have inflicted and move beyond them. Easily said, not easily done… Jesus never excused himself from the difficult: it turns out that doing the difficult ultimately led to glory for him. It can do the same for us in ways that we cannot even imagine just now. 

Ultimately, this challenging path of growth and empathy, much like Jesus’ own journey, can lead us to profound personal transformation and a deeper understanding of the world.

Reflection Questions and Responses

• Who or what groups might find these readings especially helpful?
  • Families or communities in conflict: The call to forgive and love enemies can inspire reconciliation and healing.
  • Those struggling with resentment or unforgiveness: Jesus’ teaching offers a path to freedom from the burden of anger.
  • Social justice advocates: The message encourages seeking justice with mercy and compassion.
  • Anyone striving to live more Christ-like lives: The invitation to imitate God’s compassion challenges us to grow in holiness.
• What human weaknesses do they address, and what virtues do they aim to strengthen?
  • Weaknesses: Revenge, grudges, selfishness, and judgmental attitudes. Jesus invites us to let go of these tendencies.
  • Virtues: Mercy, forgiveness, generosity, and humility. These virtues reflect the heart of God’s love for humanity.
• What is the feeling tone of each reading?
  • 1 Samuel: Tense yet noble, as David chooses mercy over vengeance.
  • Psalm: Joyful and reassuring, celebrating God’s compassion and forgiveness.
  • 1 Corinthians: Uplifting and transformative, calling us to hope for same change from ‘earthly’ to ‘heavenly’ as was to be seen in Christ.
  • Gospel: Challenging yet hopeful, presenting a vision of radical love and mercy.
• Which saints or well-known figures exemplify the message of these readings?
  • St Stephen: The first martyr, who prayed for his persecutors as he was being stoned.
  • St Maria Goretti: Forgave her attacker on her deathbed, showing Christ-like mercy.
  • Martin Luther King Jr.: His advocacy for nonviolence reflects Jesus’ teaching to love enemies and seek reconciliation.
• What works of art, poems, or pieces of music provide insight into the message?
  • Art: Caravaggio’s The Conversion of Saul, depicting God’s transformative mercy.
  • Music: The hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, inspired by the prayer of St Francis.
  • Poetry: William Blake’s The Divine Image, exploring mercy and compassion as divine attributes.
• Where has the message of these readings been true in my life or those close to me, and is there a story I can share about that?
  • Reflect on a personal experience of forgiving someone who wronged you or being shown unexpected mercy. Sharing such a story can inspire others to embrace Jesus’ teaching, showing the freedom and joy that come from living out God’s compassion.