The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to participate in the exhortation of Jesus to love our enemies especially when present events and the history of today may make living like Jesus particularly difficult.
The Reading from the Letter to the Colossians exhorts Renunciation of Vice.
* [3:5–17] In lieu of false asceticism and superstitious festivals, the apostle reminds the Colossians of the moral life that is to characterize their response to God through Christ. He urges their participation in the liturgical hymns and prayers that center upon God’s plan of salvation in Christ (Col 3:16). (Colossians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 150 is a closing doxology for the book of the Psalms.
* [Psalm 150] The Psalm is a closing doxology both for the fifth book of the Psalms (Ps 107–149) and for the Psalter as a whole. Temple musicians and dancers are called to lead all beings on earth and in heaven in praise of God. The Psalm proclaims to whom praise shall be given, and where (Ps 150:1); what praise shall be given, and why (Ps 150:2); how praise shall be given (Ps 150:3–5), and by whom (Ps 150:6). (Psalms, PSALM 150 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Sermon on the Plain from the Gospel of Luke deals with Love of Enemies.
* [6:20–49] Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” is the counterpart to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount” (Mt 5:1–7:27). It is addressed to the disciples of Jesus, and, like the sermon in Matthew, it begins with beatitudes (Lk 6:20–22) and ends with the parable of the two houses (Lk 6:46–49). Almost all the words of Jesus reported by Luke are found in Matthew’s version, but because Matthew includes sayings that were related to specifically Jewish Christian problems (e.g., Mt 5:17–20; 6:1–8, 16–18) that Luke did not find appropriate for his predominantly Gentile Christian audience, the “Sermon on the Mount” is considerably longer. Luke’s sermon may be outlined as follows: an introduction consisting of blessings and woes (Lk 6:20–26); the love of one’s enemies (Lk 6:27–36); the demands of loving one’s neighbor (Lk 6:37–42); good deeds as proof of one’s goodness (Lk 6:43–45); a parable illustrating the result of listening to and acting on the words of Jesus (Lk 6:46–49). At the core of the sermon is Jesus’ teaching on the love of one’s enemies (Lk 6:27–36) that has as its source of motivation God’s graciousness and compassion for all humanity (Lk 6:35–36) and Jesus’ teaching on the love of one’s neighbor (Lk 6:37–42) that is characterized by forgiveness and generosity.
* [6:20–26] The introductory portion of the sermon consists of blessings and woes that address the real economic and social conditions of humanity (the poor—the rich; the hungry—the satisfied; those grieving—those laughing; the outcast—the socially acceptable). By contrast, Matthew emphasizes the religious and spiritual values of disciples in the kingdom inaugurated by Jesus (“poor in spirit,” Mt 5:3; “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Mt 5:6). In the sermon, blessed extols the fortunate condition of persons who are favored with the blessings of God; the woes, addressed as they are to the disciples of Jesus, threaten God’s profound displeasure on those so blinded by their present fortunate situation that they do not recognize and appreciate the real values of God’s kingdom. In all the blessings and woes, the present condition of the persons addressed will be reversed in the future.
* [6:27–36] See notes on Mt 5:43–48 and Mt 5:48. (Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)
Tamora Whitney iterates that we need to treat each other decently and respectfully, even when we ourselves are not treated so.
When we look at this Gospel passage a little more, I think we’re not being asked to just take it. When Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, what he is really saying is to face our accuser. If someone strikes, say, a slave, backhand, the striker does not see whom he strikes. But if that person turns and faces him to present the other cheek for a slap, the striker must look his victim in the face and recognize his humanity. Turning the other cheek isn’t an act of abjection but of rebellion even. Jesus says if we are pressed into service, to make it a service. We should go beyond the minimum required. If someone forces you into service for a mile, go two instead. If someone would sue you for your shirt, throw in the cloak. If someone is in need and asks a favor or a loan, give it. He’s not telling us to just give up, he’s telling us to recognize that we’re all people – king and servant—and we should be of help and service to our fellow man. We aren’t being told to take it, we’re being told to give it. (Whitney, 2025)
Don Schwager quotes “The virtue of charity,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"Love is commanded when it is said, 'Love your enemies'" so that the saying which was uttered already before the church may be fulfilled: 'Set in order love in me' (Song of Solomon 2:4). For love is set in order when the precepts of love are formed. See how it began from the heights and cast the law underneath the backs of the Gospel's blessing. The law commands the revenge of punishment (see Exodus 21:23-36). The gospel bestows love for hostility, benevolence for hatred, prayer for curses, help for the persecuted, patience for the hungry and grace of reward. How much more perfect the athlete who does not feel injury!" (excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 5.73) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:27-38 comments that when Professor Orlando Rodriguez and his wife, Phyllis, lost their son, Greg, in the attack on the World Trade Center in New York, they sensed that God was calling them to transform their pain into peace. Together with family members of other victims of the attack, they formed Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization that connects and supports families who have lost their loved ones to similar acts of violence.
Today, as we remember the tragedy of September 11, let’s also remember those who found the grace to rise above hatred and vengeance to offer true forgiveness. Let’s remember how merciful Jesus is to us and to everyone. And let’s allow that mercy to teach us to love our own enemies.
“Lord, give me the courage to love beyond my hurt.” (Meditation on Luke 6:27-38, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Colossians is about how to embrace a life of virtue, as called to by Christ and we also give good witness and draw others to our faith. In our daily life, our ambitions and thoughts should turn to service that praises God. Jesus transforms the old ideas so we have to see enemies as children of God who are broken and “walk a mile for them”. Give more than is expected especially to those who cannot repay. We shouldn't judge but we may have to assess and admonish. God only expects what we are capable of doing. Friar Jude reminds us that our giving reflects God's generosity to us.
Faith-based organizer Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra reflects on Jesus’ teaching in Scripture about wielding power. Salvatierra tells a story revealing Bishop Desmond Tutu’s “dovelike” power when soldiers were sent to his church. They lined the walls of the sanctuary holding loaded rifles.
Bishop Tutu did not have the power of force…. He did not have the power of wealth…. He did not have the power of numbers…. In this instance Bishop Tutu did not have serpent power; his was the power of the dove, residing in his faith, hope and love. Tutu’s faith gave him the capacity for joy in all circumstances. His faith in the coming kingdom of God brought the experience of the future into the present, making it real for his audience. He did not fear for the future; he awaited it expectantly and called his listeners into it. This lack of fear allowed him to look past the guns, see the boys holding the guns, and love them. His love, faith and hope had real-world power….
The apparent barriers to action rarely stand up to dove power. When people are reminded of the strength of their faith, their fear subsides. And when they are invited to lean into their faith, they are emboldened by God’s provision. (Salvatierra, n.d.)
Our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader is the foundation of our call to the Spirit to transform our attitudes to actions that demonstrate love for our enemies in accord with Jesus Way.
References
Colossians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/3?12
Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?27
Meditation on Luke 6:27-38. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/09/11/1380774/
Psalms, PSALM 150 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/150?1
Salvatierra, A. (n.d.). Serpent Wisdom, Dove Power. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/serpent-wisdom-dove-power/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Good to Those Who Hate You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=sep11
Whitney, T. (2025, September 11). Daily Reflection September 11, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-11-2025
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