Luke 6:27-38 - Be Merciful, as Your Father is Merciful

7th Sunday of Year C, 23 February 2025
Luke 6:27-38 - Be Merciful, as Your Father is Merciful

The Heart of Jesus' Preaching
The first part of the Sermon on the Mount focuses on God's promises. In Luke, it also highlights God's "retributions"—the cries of woe that warn against obstacles to a true relationship with God and the Son of Man. These include attachment to earthly possessions, complacency in comfort, ignoring the suffering of others, and seeking approval from everyone for personal gain. At its core, this section emphasizes the first commandment: loving God above all else.

In the second part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus extends the commandment of love beyond personal relationships. The foundation remains the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” However, Jesus radically expands this love—it is boundless, even embracing one’s enemies. God’s infinite love for humanity is meant to be reflected in the way people love each other. Thus, Jesus’ message of redemption does not only transform our relationship with God but also the way we relate to one another.

A Shift in Perspective
True Christian love shifts focus away from self-interest toward God and others. It requires “letting go of oneself” and developing empathy—without which real listening and understanding are impossible. This is why Jesus begins this passage by saying, “I say to you who are listening to me.” Without truly listening to Jesus’ words, it is impossible to grasp his teachings or experience his love.

In the Gospels, love of God and love of neighbor are deeply intertwined. Matthew 25 makes this parallel clear: whoever visits a sick person is visiting Christ himself. Our relationship with God is directly reflected in how we treat others. If someone wants to assess their connection with God, they should examine their human relationships.

For example, if someone is indifferent to 50% of the people they meet, annoyed by 30%, and genuinely cares for only 20%, then this mindset likely reflects their relationship with God as well. They feel connected to God only 20% of the time, struggle with doubt 30% of the time, and remain indifferent to God the remaining 50%.

Even more concretely:

If someone envies another, they are also envious of God.
If someone is angry at another, they also carry anger toward God.
If someone despises another, they also despise God.
This perspective challenges us to live out our faith realistically, rather than simply claiming to have strong faith without putting it into practice. Those who call God "Our Father" through Jesus Christ are called to be merciful to all, without exception.

Love Beyond Reciprocity
Many Christians talk about loving God and neighbor, but the reality is that human love often depends on reciprocity. It is an exchange—"I love you because you love me"—rather than a free gift. Human relationships tend to function as transactions, always striving for balance.

However, Jesus introduces a new kind of love, one that frees us from calculating what we receive in return. Those who truly listen to him become less dependent on the reactions of others. They love because they are connected to Jesus, who is love itself. They love because they cannot do otherwise.

When I reflect on my relationships with others, I recognize how much I still need to be transformed and redeemed. Christ is still at work in me, shaping me through my own efforts and his unending grace.