7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
For the past several years, we have been involved in what has been termed culture wars. These refer to conflicts between two groups within society. Each group seeks to dominate and force its beliefs, values, and practices upon the other. The word war is justified by the means used to force one’s point of view on others.
The readings today present us with the clash of values and beliefs we find in our society today. What Jesus presents is a counter-cultural way of behaving. We are to love our enemies, allow someone to strike us again, take what we have, and even give things away without demanding repayment. We are told not to judge and condemn but to forgive. Given the society we live in today, it may be hard for us not to say, “Are you serious?”
But in reality—he is serious. This is exactly what we are being asked to do. We may say impossible. But the reading from I Samuel gives us the example of David allowing Saul, who was persecuting him, to live. David was expected to kill him when he had the chance, but he walked away.
Saint Paul clarifies why we are called to live what might be deemed an outlandish lifestyle by our cultural norms. “Just as we have born the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.”
Unlike the cultural wars, we are not forced to embrace this lifestyle. No, we are loved into it by God’s mercy toward us, enabling us to be compassionate and forgiving and to see the world and others through his eyes. In the Eucharist, we are schooled, nourished, and challenged to allow the heavenly image to shine through us.
How will the divine image shine through us today?
Let us pray.
Good and gracious God, may the Spirit empower me to reflect your mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness to all I meet. Amen
