This tough love

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary present some ways for Christians to witness to their relationship with Jesus. Paul offers the example of the Corinthians as our encouragement to be generous. The psalmist praises the actions of the God of Jacob who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry; sets the prisoners free; opens the eyes of the blind; lifts up those who are bowed down; loves the righteous; watches over the strangers; upholds the orphan and the widow. The believer today can make the Divine present in the same manner. Matthew reveals Jesus teaching on loving enemies. In practice this is tough and it relies on the transcendent power of the relationship with the Divine being resonant with our indwelling Spirit. When this love is practiced, the fruits of generosity, freedom and forgiveness abound foe all to witness and give praise to God.