1 Sam. 26:2.7-9.12-13.22-23/ Ps.103:1-2.3-4.8.10.12-13/ 1Cor. 15: 45-49/ Lk. 6: 27-38

Your enemy is being handed over to you on a silver platter. What would you do? If this is someone who has tormented you so much. if he or she has become a thorn in your flesh. This person gives you sleepless nights. Because of him or her, you no longer know joy, happiness, or peace in your life.

Today’s first reading presents us with a scenario of a battle between Saul and David. Saul, with three thousand chosen men of Israel, pursued David in the wilderness of Ziph. But interestingly, David caught Saul asleep. David had all the opportunity to strike him down to death. But upon the advice of Abishai, David rescinded his decision and retreated.

Saul’s pursuit of David was unsuccessful. This shows God’s protection over David in all circumstances. Most especially, it is clear in difficult moments because of his loyalty, mercy, and trust in God.

The saving power of God over David strengthened his faith. Meanwhile, Saul would have reconsider his ill actions.

David’s character and leadership are exemplary, while Saul’s decline serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and disobedience. David’s decision to spare Saul’s life demonstrates the importance of showing   forgiveness, even to those who do not deserve it.

In today’s gospel, we are called upon to love our enemies. This is a very difficult thing to do as human beings. But as Christians, we are also being challenged today. We must not reciprocate love only to those who love us. We should also extend love towards our enemies.

It sounds absurd to show love to someone who you know verily wants to destroy you. They want your downfall and have you killed or dead. But God our Merciful Father still invites us to show an unconditional love to these ones. Yet, the best way to destroy an enemy is to love him or her. This act releases God to do his work in the life of the person who hurt us. It also allows God to work in our lives.

The gospel of Luke instructs us to actually do something good for them! God knows that it’s one thing to say you forgive someone. But when you start putting actions to your forgiveness, it becomes real. It becomes real for them, but more importantly it becomes real for you. You probably won’t be capable of doing it in your own strength. Still, with God’s help, you can “do good” to those who have hurt you.

Beloved in Christ, you can kindly stop rehearsing over and over in your thoughts. Avoid dwelling on all the details of what happened that hurt you. You can forget about getting even or settling scores with people who have hurt us. With God’s help, you can let go of all the bitterness and anger.

You can also release the need to punish the person who wounded you. When you forgive them completely, you trust God to handle the situation on your behalf. That is when you will become free to move on and enjoy the rest of your life.

 Kindly note, God is our Vindicator. He brings justice into our lives. We must let go of the offense and pray for those who have wounded us for this to happen.