THE LORD IS COMPASSION AND LOVE
We live in times when many of our conversations exaggerate difference and division. But the scripture for this Sunday proclaims a radical message of love that overcomes hatred, and a compassion that heals and unifies.
St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in the Second Reading teaches that the Spirit of God is within us. Together, we are a temple of God proclaiming God’s wisdom. This wisdom challenges human notions of tribalism that can ultimately lead to division and hatred, when we see ‘others’ as our enemies.
In the First Reading, Moses is commanded to profess God’s wisdom by telling the people that holiness is based on love and forgiveness: ‘You must love your neighbour as yourself.’ In the Gospel, Jesus reveals the full expression of the wisdom of God’s Law of Love: ‘love your enemies’. We are called to respond with radical non-violence to all forms of hatred and division.
This week, let us pray that we will have the grace to move beyond divisive ‘them-and-us’ ways of thinking and relating. In God we are all One, bound together with compassion and love.
Source: Scripture reflection and image prepared for St Beuono's Outreach, Diocese of Wrexham UK available at www.australiancatholics.com.au