Loving because of the Connection

Elijah is prompted to deliver the Word of God to Ahab who with the assistance of Jezebel, has committed serious offences against people and God. This text and Psalm 51 in the Roman Catholic Lectionary for today are concerned with sin and remorse. Psalm 51 is one of the most remorseful pieces in literature. Matthew presents Jesus challenge to “love your enemies”. This certainly is a life change which requires the working of the in-dwelling Spirit. Those who have hurt us are to be loved by us. As a practical matter, reconciliation between people and tribes could not have a better beginning than mutual love. Conflict and confrontation would be difficult with the beloved. What is the quality of all that would admit them to the community of our beloved? It is the unity we share as temples of the in-dwelling Spirit which connects us at the most essential level. We need to dig deep to discover our connectedness. It is not a solitary act. Paul advises that the Divine Spirit cooperates with our Spirit in these actions of love.