Friends, today we are celebrating Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, our Church reminds us of the essential virtues and elements of our Christian life. They include mercy, compassion, love of God and neighbor, self-control, appreciation of values, moral responsibility, awareness of sin, and the sacred sense. These are marks of our spiritual progress and Christian growth. Also, they form part of the church’s social doctrine. The readings of today guide us in avoiding judgment, showing compassion, and bearing the image of Christ in our actions. Lord, help us to follow Your example of love and mercy. Teach us to avoid judging others and to show compassion instead. Give us the strength to live like Jesus, spreading kindness and forgiveness.
Friends, today’s first reading is dramatic. David was not a man to show mercy to his enemies or to forget a wrong; he committed many crimes and shed much blood, but the episode we read today reveals that he harbored also noble and generous feelings. David had good reasons to punish Saul, but he chose the way of forgiveness; “Do not kill him,” he told his nephew Abishai, “Because he is the anointed of the Lord.” David had the death warrant of his enemies in his hands, yet he refused to pronounce it. Instead, he left it for God to pronounce in his way and at his appropriate time. He heeded God’s word; “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do not take revenge. Vengeance is mine” (Rom 12: 17-19; Deut 32:35).
Friends, we have here two ways of thinking; Abishai’s supported by human logic, which proposed attacking and destroying the man who had done them evil, and David’s who chooses to forgive. The first reading of today reminds us of Jesus’ teaching about not judging others. Jesus warns us against judging because it leads to unfairness and a lack of compassion. When we judge, we often don’t know the whole story and can hurt others with our assumptions. Jesus calls us to understand and help each other. Instead of judging, we should try to understand the struggles others are facing. Showing compassion means being kind and supportive, even when we don’t fully understand someone’s situation. Brothers and sisters, judging others can create barriers and harm relationships. It separates us and makes it hard to see the good in others. By choosing to show understanding instead of judgment, we can build stronger, more loving communities. When we avoid judging and instead show compassion, we follow the path that Jesus set for us. This way, we help bring more kindness and understanding into the world.
Friends, the second reading of today also brings Paul’s message about bearing the image of Christ. Paul explains that we are to live like Jesus, showing His love and mercy in our actions. Living like Christ means embodying His values in our everyday lives. Brothers and sisters, being in the image of Christ means showing love, kindness, and forgiveness. Jesus showed us how to love others, even those who hurt us. By following His example, we can reflect His goodness to the people around us. This calling is not always easy. It requires patience and a willingness to put others first. But when we strive to live like Christ, we become a light for others, showing them the path to peace and love. We are reminded of our call to live like Jesus. By bearing His image in our actions, we help to spread His message of love and kindness. This way, we bring a bit of Christ’s love into the world each day.
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus gave a very important sermon on these essential virtues and elements that must guide our lives and actions as Christians. It is a new commandment because it overrules the Old Testament law of reprisal attack or retributive justice. There is no doubt that humanly speaking, it is a very difficult one. However, it demands a lot of sacrifice and courage. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, which goes against the way our world usually works. Today, we often see competition, especially in politics and on social media, where getting ahead seems most important. Imagine how different things could be if we truly loved our enemies and showed forgiveness and mercy to everyone. Jesus’ message is clear. We are called to a life of mercy, just like David showed mercy to Saul. Mercy means choosing kindness over revenge. It means forgiving others, even when it is hard. This path is not easy, but it brings us closer to living like Jesus. Forgiveness is something we all need. We might think it is just for those who have wronged us, but we also need it for ourselves. Holding grudges can harm us and prevent us from finding peace. Jesus reminds us that we should forgive to be forgiven.
Friends, healing from wounds takes time. When someone hurts us, the pain doesn’t disappear overnight. We can pray for God’s help in healing our hearts. Asking for the strength to let go of our need for revenge and for the desire to forgive can lead us to true peace. Brothers and sisters, by choosing love and mercy over revenge, and by seeking forgiveness, we can live a life that reflects Jesus’ love. This change in our hearts can make the world a better place for all of us. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Week to You
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu
