By Naresh Namindla csc –
Readings: Deut 26: 16-19; Mt 5: 43-48
Human relations are always filled with reciprocity. We love people as much as we are loved. We care about people as much as we are cared for. We help people as much as we are helped. We forgive people as much as we are forgiven. We value friendship as long as our friendship is valued. We are ready to stand by our friends only when we think they will stand by us when needed. This is a normal tendency of a human being.
But today’s gospel reading suggests that following this kind of reciprocity in human relations as Christians is nothing more than how non- Christians do. What is the difference between a Christian, a non-Christian, or an atheist?
As Christians, something more is expected of us. We are called to go beyond our relations and extend our love and pray for those who hate us the most. This is a challenging teaching of Jesus to all of us.
But this becomes possible if we accept God’s love for us and be reciprocal to his love. This is what Prophet Moses is teaching the people of Israel in today’s first reading. He reminds the Israelites to keep up the rules, commandments, statutes and walk in God’s teachings. This would make them treasured as people to God and help them live a holy life.
Like the people of Israel, we too are called to live a holy life that would make us love the people who hate us the most. This Lenten season provides ample opportunities to us to examine our way of life and mend our ways.