Let go of enmity

Feb 18, 2022

               Reflecting on our Sunday Readings with Jude Antoine

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C)
Readings: 1 Samuel 26:7-9, 12-13, 22-23;
1 Corinthians 15:45-49;
Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

The Gospel today is full of instructions for every believer in Christ. Packed with life lessons such as loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us, praying for those who mistreat us, do not judge, do not condemn.

In fact, twice in the Gospel, we hear that we ought to love our enemies. For most of us, this seems like a very tall order ... even impossible to live up to. How can I humanly love my enemies who have intentionally hurt me?

In the First Reading, we hear of how King Saul goes out to the wilderness of Ziph in search of his enemy David. Yet David, when confronted with the opportunity to end the life of the one who hates him, makes a radical choice! “The Lord forbid that I should raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed!” 1 Samuel 26:9. The choice to release enmity and do good to the one who hates him.

As I was reflecting on the First Reading, an interesting line stood out to me - 1 Samuel 26:12 (NRSV) “So David took the spear that was at Saul’s head and the water jar, and they went away. No one saw it, or knew it, nor did anyone awaken; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them.”

No one saw David or knew what David did…. nor did anyone awaken. For a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them. When David spared the life of Saul, there was no applause or celebration. In fact, the event went completely unnoticed. David could have killed Saul without anyone knowing. But there was something different about David. God describes David as “a man after My own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). That does not mean that he was sinless or perfect. It meant that David had the capacity to recognise his own weakness and yet pursue God with all his heart.

Friends, to be a man after God’s heart is not possible with my own strength. This is only possible through the Person of the Holy Spirit working in me. We see this in David. When David sinned against God, his plea was, “God, please don’t take your Holy Spirit from me” Psalm 51:10–11 (NRSV).

The Second Reading of today gives us the key. Jesus “last Adam has become a life-giving spirit” 1 Cor. 15:45. Unless I allow the life-giving Spirit of Jesus to become alive in my life, it will be impossible for me to love my enemies. I will do what comes naturally to my flesh, i.e. to pay back the one who hurt me with equal vengeance.

As we read in Romans 12:17–21 (NRSV)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.

18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

In my own life and ministry, I too have experienced many hurts. I have lost my temper countless times, with my family members and ministry partners. I have also encountered many Catholics who have left the Church out of bitterness, hatred and anger. They have chosen to take offence and remain vengeful. Countless times I have heard complaints by those who are angry and bitter with Church authorities. In this day and age, it is even an accepted practice to speak ill of the Man of God on social media — to tear down his character or reputation publicly. Yet David says, “who can lift his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be without guilt? The Lord forbid that I should raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed!” 1 Samuel 26:9.

I am aware of how often I have failed in this challenge of Jesus to love others as Jesus loves me. My flesh and human nature often takes control and I feel helpless. I recognise that each time I have allowed my flesh and human nature to take control, I recognise that I have lost the peace in my own life. Bitterness, hatred, anger, resentment never satisfies.

But when I choose to let go of enmity, a peace that the world cannot give fills my heart. Of course, this is not easy. I have discovered that this is only possible when I allow the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with His love and peace. Without the love of God in my heart, it is impossible to love my enemies. The consequence is that the blessings far outweigh the vengeance.

God cannot be outdone by generosity — As Jesus promises us at the end of today’s Gospel — Luke 6:38 (NRSV) “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.”

As I release forgiveness, in return I experience God’s forgiveness. As I release mercy, in return I experience God’s mercy. What I give, I will receive. This Sunday, let us open ourselves in a new way to the Love of God, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).