7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
Today’s first reading from the Book of Leviticus Chapter 19, Verses 1 to 2, 17 to 18, and the gospel reading from the gospel of Saint Matthew Chapter 5, Verses 38 to 48, remind us of what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ, as they emphasize the importance of love for our neighbors and even our enemies. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (Number 1765), Love is a passion and the most fundamental passion, aroused by the attraction of the good. Love causes a desire for the absent good and the hope of obtaining it; this movement finds completion in the pleasure and joy of the good possessed. To love is to will the good of another. All other affections have their source in this first movement of the human heart toward the good. Only the good can be loved. So as disciples of Christ, it is our duty to desire and will the good for others; that is, to bring Christ to others and bring them closer to God. This is the reason why Jesus said in today’s gospel reading, “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Heavenly Father.” Also, this is the reason why we were reminded in the first reading from the Book of Leviticus that we should love our neighbor as ourself. My dear brothers and sisters, it is a fact that God is love, and that love is the center of all we do as Christians, but do we live out the gospel of love as we are called to? Do we desire and will the good for others like we are supposed to? Remember my dear friends, without love, we wouldn’t have been made in God’s image and likeness. Without love, we wouldn’t have been pardoned and forgiven. Without love, we wouldn’t have been saved and redeemed. Where would you be today without God’s love? Who would you be today without God’s love? What would you have today with God’s love? Do not forget my dear friends, that Love does not retaliate, and Love does not reach out only to family and friends, but extends to our enemies as well. So, go and live out the love of God in our world today as you are called to.
