Embrace Enemies in Love

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to apply the exhortation of Christ to “love our enemies” in our daily interaction with the people on our journey.

Love in Our Neighbourhood

The First Letter of  Paul to the Corinthians raises the dilemma our knowledge being insufficient to ignore Practical Rules.

* [8:1–11:1] The Corinthians’ second question concerns meat that has been sacrificed to idols; in this area they were exhibiting a disordered sense of liberation that Paul here tries to rectify. These chapters contain a sustained and unified argument that illustrates Paul’s method of theological reflection on a moral dilemma. Although the problem with which he is dealing is dated, the guidelines for moral decisions that he offers are of lasting validity. Essentially Paul urges them to take a communitarian rather than an individualistic view of their Christian freedom. Many decisions that they consider pertinent only to their private relationship with God have, in fact, social consequences. Nor can moral decisions be determined by merely theoretical considerations; they must be based on concrete circumstances, specifically on the value and needs of other individuals and on mutual responsibility within the community. Paul here introduces the theme of “building up” (oikodomē), i.e., of contributing by individual action to the welfare and growth of the community. This theme will be further developed in 1 Cor 14; see note on 1 Cor 14:3b–5. Several years later Paul would again deal with the problem of meat sacrificed to idols in Rom 14:1–15:6.

* [8:1a] Meat sacrificed to idols: much of the food consumed in the city could have passed through pagan religious ceremonies before finding its way into markets and homes. “All of us have knowledge”: a slogan, similar to 1 Cor 6:12, which reveals the self-image of the Corinthians. 1 Cor 8:4 will specify the content of this knowledge.

* [8:6] This verse rephrases the monotheistic confession of v. 4 in such a way as to contrast it with polytheism (1 Cor 8:5) and to express our relationship with the one God in concrete, i.e., in personal and Christian terms. And for whom we exist: since the Greek contains no verb here and the action intended must be inferred from the preposition eis, another translation is equally possible: “toward whom we return.” Through whom all things: the earliest reference in the New Testament to Jesus’ role in creation.

* [8:8–9] Although the food in itself is morally neutral, extrinsic circumstances may make the eating of it harmful. A stumbling block: the image is that of tripping or causing someone to fall (cf. 1 Cor 8:13; 9:12; 10:12, 32; 2 Cor 6:3; Rom 14:13, 20–21). This is a basic moral imperative for Paul, a counterpart to the positive imperative to “build one another up”; compare the expression “giving offense” as opposed to “pleasing” in 1 Cor 10:32–33.

* [8:13] His own course is clear: he will avoid any action that might harm another Christian. This statement prepares for the paradigmatic development in 1 Cor 9. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 139 is a meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience.

* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24).

* [139:2] When I sit and stand: in all my physical movement.

* [139:9] Take the wings of dawn: go to the extremities of the east. Beyond the sea: uttermost bounds of the west; the sea is the Mediterranean.

* [139:11] Night shall be my light: night to me is what day is to others.

* [139:15] The depths of the earth: figurative language for the womb, stressing the hidden and mysterious operations that occur there.

* [139:24] Lead me along an ancient path: the manner of living of our ancestors, who were faithful to God’s will, cf. Jer 6:16. (Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke proclaims Jesus teaching on Love of Enemies

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.)

Molly Mattingly comments that these things are easy to say but difficult to enact, especially without love.

I find myself skeptical of Jesus’ instruction to “give to everyone who asks of you.”  St. Ignatius would have put it, “Give, and do not count the cost.” My natural inclination to do just that is one of the reasons I got into ministry and enjoy it. As those of us working in ministry are often reminded, however, the cost is burnout. Burnout doesn’t glorify God. Burnout leaves me unable to be generous. (St. Ignatius knew that, too.) I wish Jesus had mirrored that line by saying, “Receive care with gratitude,” which is just as important for healthy community.

Jesus asks us to stop thinking of our daily interactions as business exchanges and start acting out of love. He asks us to stop judging, condemning, holding grudges, and holding back generosity not as a quid-pro-quo, but because we are beloved of God. A quote often attributed to Mother Theresa says, “In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” If we realize God’s love for us in an all-encompassing way, we won’t need to exchange our kindness for others’. We will be free live generously, as those who have received love well. Love received spills over, and lovers are generous to those beloved. (Mattingly, 2026)

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.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. In the First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul deals with meat offered to idols. Meat was very rare in the ancient world. Whatever meat was left over after being offered to Greek gods might be available to eat or be sold. Paul suggests that since pagan gods really don’t exist, it may be OK, but he cautions that some people would be scandalized by the act so we should not eat for the sake of others who might misinterpret our actions. We need to watch out for what we do. We might dismiss it but they might get the wrong example. He notes grandparents should avoid tv that may not be suitable for their grandchildren. Jesus gives new interpretation to relations with enemies. We have to love, bless and pray for enemies. Give them more than they ask for. Love is not based on what we gain. We love those who cannot pay us back. Luke suggests open hearts receive the goodness of God. Friar Jude suggests that if we are closed in self sufficiency and arrogance we won't be able to accept God’s love as offered to us.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 6:27-38 Jesus’ command is challenging. But he knows how hard it can be. That’s why he is always with you, offering you his grace and help. And it’s why he is also ready to forgive you when you fall short.

So try your best to “love your enemies” (Luke 6:27). Resolve to “do good to those who hate you” (6:27). “Stop condemning” and offer mercy instead (6:37). You never know whose life you might change—including your own!

“Jesus, I am weak, but you are strong. Help me to love as you love.” (Meditation on Luke 6:27-38, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Methodist minister Renita Weems who comments that whatever spirituality is, it is not something to be discovered. It is something to be recovered—something you misplace and recover a thousand times in a lifetime.

Sometimes we awaken to it through nature. Sometimes it comes to us through art, music, dance, or silence. Sometimes we are reminded of it by interacting with or observing children. Sometimes we happen upon it through chance encounters with strangers. And for a moment, we are smitten with the sublime. And then we lose it. We lose its scent, we can’t make out its sound. Sometimes we stumble around for what feels like days, months, perhaps years, trying to recapture it—trying to pick back up the scent, trying to make out the sounds. But even though we find ourselves stumbling, we’re onto something. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invoke the Spirit to guide our conscience as we struggle to respond with an attitude of openness and acceptance to the attacks of those opposed to our lifestyle and mission.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/6?27 

Mattingly, M. (2026, September 10). Daily Reflection September 10, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-10-2026 

Meditation on Luke 6:27-38. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/09/10/1666429/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/8? 

Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Belief Is Not Certainty. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/belief-is-not-certainty/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do Good to Those Who Hate You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Love and Providence

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be witness to hope in Love and Divine Providence as we explore these resonances in our own journey.

“Yes” to the Plan of God

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah proclaims The Servant of the Lord.

* [49:1] Gave me my name: designated me for a special task or mission (cf. Jer 1:5).

* [49:3] Israel: the servant is identified with the people of Israel as their ideal representative; however, vv. 5–6 seem to distinguish the servant from Israel.

* [49:6] The servant’s vocation extends beyond the restoration of Israel in order to bring the knowledge of Israel’s God to the rest of the earth; cf. Lk 2:32. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 49 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 139 offers a meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience.

* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24). (Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles proclaims Paul’s Address about Christian kerygma in the Synagogue.

* [13:4–14:27] The key event in Luke’s account of the first missionary journey is the experience of Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14–52). The Christian kerygma proclaimed by Paul in the synagogue was favorably received. Some Jews and “God-fearers” (see note on Acts 8:26–40) became interested and invited the missionaries to speak again on the following sabbath (Acts 13:42). By that time, however, the appearance of a large number of Gentiles from the city had so disconcerted the Jews that they became hostile toward the apostles (Acts 13:44–50). This hostility of theirs appears in all three accounts of Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts, the Jews of Iconium (Acts 14:1–2) and Beroea (Acts 17:11) being notable exceptions. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents The Birth of John the Baptist.

* [1:57–66] The birth and circumcision of John above all emphasize John’s incorporation into the people of Israel by the sign of the covenant (Gn 17:1–12). The narrative of John’s circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. At the end of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 23:6–9; 24:14–16; 26:2–8, 22–23) he will argue that Christianity is the direct descendant of Pharisaic Judaism.

* [1:59] The practice of Palestinian Judaism at this time was to name the child at birth; moreover, though naming a male child after the father is not completely unknown, the usual practice was to name the child after the grandfather (see Lk 1:61). The naming of the child John and Zechariah’s recovery from his loss of speech should be understood as fulfilling the angel’s announcement to Zechariah in Lk 1:13, 20. (Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky comments that we must find ways to step back from hectic lives so we can silence the noise – both internal and external.  When we pull away, even for a brief time, we begin to recognize the subtle movement of grace – the desires God plants, the gifts received, the people He places in our path.

For most of us, escaping for an extended time in the desert might feel like a luxury we cannot afford – or might want to avoid, especially in an Arizona summer.  But the spiritual desert is necessary.  We must find ways to step back from hectic lives so we can silence the noise – both internal and external.  When we pull away, even for a brief time, we begin to recognize the subtle movement of grace – the desires God plants, the gifts received, the people He places in our path.  Ever so slowly, our purpose becomes less something we are chasing or trying to grasp, and more something we receive and live into. 

This reading reinforces the importance of trusting in God’s timing, and of patience through multiple generations.  God is listening; He has not forgotten the pain of His creation, and He will respond.  The work we do in our lifetimes may not yield results until future generations build on the foundations we lay.  As Ignatius learned during his years of formation and transformation into God’s servant, we are here to do the work God has entrusted to us, not try to follow in the footsteps of John or other saints.  We only need to trust and then move forward as far as we can on our portion of the path known as God’s plan for Salvation History.(Janky, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes Parallels between John and Jesus, by Ephrem the Syrian (306-373 AD)

"The elderly Elizabeth gave birth to the last of the prophets, and Mary, a young girl, to the Lord of the angels. The daughter of Aaron gave birth to the voice in the desert (Isaiah 63:9), but the daughter of David to the strong God of the earth. The barren one gave birth to him who remits sins, but the Virgin gave birth to him who takes them away (John 1:29). Elizabeth gave birth to him who reconciled people through repentance, but Mary gave birth to him who purified the lands of uncleanness. The elder one lit a lamp in the house of Jacob, his father, for this lamp itself was John (John 5:35), while the younger one lit the Sun of Justice (Malachi 4:2) for all the nations. The angel announced to Zechariah, so that the slain one would proclaim the crucified one and that the hated one would proclaim the envied one. He who was to baptize with water would proclaim him who would baptize with fire and with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The light, which was not obscure, would proclaim the Sun of Justice. The one filled with the Spirit would proclaim concerning him who gives the Spirit. The priest calling with the trumpet would proclaim concerning the one who is to come at the sound of the trumpet at the end. The voice would proclaim concerning the Word, and the one who saw the dove would proclaim concerning him upon whom the dove rested, like the lightning before the thunder." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 1.31) (Schwager, n.d.) 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 1:57-66, 80 comments that John’s very conception and birth were powerful signs of God’s love and faithfulness, but they were just the beginning. Even more important was the way John fulfilled his mission to prepare God’s people for the Messiah.

Let’s rejoice in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is faithful in keeping every one of his promises. He intervened in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth to bring about the birth of John, and he continues to intervene today to bring about his plans and promises in our lives. May we trust in his goodness, his faithfulness, and his ability to accomplish his will—even if it takes a miracle.

“Lord, you are so faithful! I give you thanks for all the ways you have intervened in my life.” (Meditation on Luke 1:57-66, 80, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 49 John the Baptist is a messenger of conversion as a sharp sword pointing to the Saviour Jesus, even as John stirred in the womb. Acts presents the kerygma made by Paul in the Synagogue testifying to John the Baptist who preached repentance and Jesus Baptism brings us to the life of the Trinity. The matrimonial symbolism of the Baptist is connected to not being worthy to put on the sandals of Jesus as the widow is Israel. Elizabeth wants the name of “John” meaning “Yahweh saves” He carries his mission in his name. The mute Zechariah did not believe in his own prayer and was silenced until the birth of the Baptist. Jesus finds John was in the desert and Friar Jude wonders if the Baptist did go down to Qumran where there were continuous ablutions and an austere lifestyle that were later incorporated in the ideas of the Baptist and his community.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, reflects on the shared hope that characterized the first community he founded in the late 1970s.

Hope is a participation in the very life of God. It has nothing to do with circumstances or events going well. It can even thrive in the midst of adversity and trial. True faith, which always includes hope and love, is a predisposition to “yes.” I would go so far as to say that a foundational “yes” is the most distinguishing element between an ego- and fear-based agenda and a Spirit-guided one. As Paul writes of Jesus, “With him it was always ‘yes,’ and however many the promises God made, the ‘yes’ to them all is in him” (2 Corinthians 1:19–20).

Deconstruction comes naturally to most of us, but deconstruction is rather useless without reconstruction and a positive vision. It’s the easiest thing in the world to stand on a pedestal of superiority and point out who and what is wrong—without doing anything positive or becoming a positive answer ourselves. After we criticize and deconstruct, what are we actually for? An awful lot of activists on the left and reactionaries on the right have no positive vision, nothing they believe in, no one they are in love with. They are just overwhelmed with what’s wrong and think that by eliminating the so-called “contaminating element,” the world will be just, peaceful, and right again. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the patience of the Spirit in our decisions and actions in hope that Love will prevail as the consequence of our Faith and “Yes” to the Plan of God.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13? 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 49 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/49? 

Janky, G. (2026, June 24). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-24-2026 

Luke, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?57 

Meditation on Luke 1:57-66, 80. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/24/1597747/ 

Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Participatory Hope. CAC.org. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/participatory-hope/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Hand of the Lord Was with Him. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 24, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2026&date=jun24a