February 20 - One Bread, One Body

February 20, Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Cycle C Readings:
1) 1 Samuel  26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
2) 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Luke 6:27-38

The Manual On Loving Enemies 

“To you who hear Me, I say, love your enemies.” — Luke 6:27

Loving enemies is more than an attitude. It is expressed in:

• actions. “Do good to those who hate you” (Lk 6:27).
• speech. “Bless those who curse you” (Lk 6:28).
• prayer. “Pray for those who maltreat you” (Lk 6:28).

To love is to reach out — even to enemies. We cannot reach out and at the same time be defensive. Our defensiveness, which is our natural reaction to enemies, must be put aside if we are to reach out to them in love. Therefore, Jesus teaches: “When someone slaps you on one cheek, turn and give him the other” (Lk 6:29). Moreover, when we judge or condemn others, we are reacting to them to justify, protect, and defend ourselves. This defensiveness is incompatible with love. Therefore, the Lord commands us: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned” (Lk 6:37). Rather, to love our enemies in thought, deed, word, and prayer, we should begin by forgiving and giving. Thus, the Lord commands us: “Pardon, and you shall be pardoned. Give, and it shall be given to you” (Lk 6:37-38).

To love our enemies is one of the best proofs that we are adopted children of God (Mt 5:45). Jesus has given us a detailed explanation of how to love our enemies. Look at the crucified Christ and love accordingly.

Prayer: Father, I accept Your grace now to accept the person offending me the most.

Promise: “The Lord will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness.” —1 Sm 26:23

Praise: Praise You, Jesus! You have been raised in glory forever (Mt 28:6)!

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022.

†Most Reverend Steve J. Angi,  Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 16, 2021.

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.