Gospel for October 23, 2009, Friday
Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. | 10/23/2009 12:00 AM
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29th Week in Ordinary Time
John of Capistrano
1st Reading: Rom 7:18–25a
Gospel: Lk 12:54–59
Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once: ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when the wind blows from the south, you say: ‘It will be hot’; and so it is. You superficial people! You understand the signs of the earth and the sky, but you don’t understand the present times.
“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is fit? When you go with your accuser before the court, try to settle the case on the way, lest he drag you before the judge and the judge deliver you to the jailer, and the jailer throw you in prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Commentary
Jesus taught against the court system, built on judgment and condemnation. This issue is also, in many ways, an extension of a larger issue: how we, as Christians, should treat our enemies. Even sinners love those who love them. Jesus promoted a greater love: a love of our enemies. God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked, so we must be kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. God shows mercy towards his enemies, so we must show mercy towards our enemies. God loves his enemies, so we must love our enemies.
Indeed, refraining from using self-defense against an approaching enemy does require patience and faithfulness. Followers of Christ are called upon to love their enemies, as Christ loved His. If Christ’s kingdom were of this world, we could use violence when attacked. However, Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Many argue that Christ’s purpose was to redeem us, and this is why we cannot defend ourselves. It must be noted, however, that the reason for not fighting is not that Christ had to redeem us, but that His kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is built around our love…and our love for our enemies!
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