23 February 2025
Lectionary Readings: 1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49; LK 6:27-38
Theme: Be Kind and Merciful
As we move through this Jubilee Year, we are challenged to continue to recognize our call in Luke’s Gospel to love our enemies, whether near or far, (Lk 6:27), and to do good to those who are in need of our mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. When Jesus preached to the people of Galilee, he emphasized in both story and action, the importance of forgiveness and love for all people. He called them to this mission, and today he also calls us to be people of good news—to reach out and share love and kindness with those we meet along the journey of life. For some, such an overwhelming offer of mercy and kindness from G-d makes no sense. They ask, “What kind of justice is this?” How can G-d love those who are rude, mean, or untrustworthy? They are sinners and should be punished! G-d’s reign obviously represents more than our understanding of equality, fairness, or even democracy. There always seems to be room for those who have “lost their way” or who never quite learned about such a forgiving, loving Creator from those around them. Jesus reaches out to the repentant sinner and expects his followers to do likewise. We see various groups today minister with loving kindness to those in prison or who are on death row. Changes often happen in the hearts of such people who never really experienced such acceptance and love as children or young adults.
Psalm 103:8 also focuses on the compassion of G-d, one who is kind and merciful, who is gracious and slow to anger, reminding us that we are all G-d’s children. We are called to follow this path and offer the same. In the reading from 1 Samuel, we see the conflict between Saul and David in the desert. King Saul was consumed with jealousy over the popularity of David and wished to kill him. As Saul was sleeping, David and Abishai found Saul’s tent among his soldiers and had the opportunity to kill him. David, however, wished no harm for the Lord’s anointed. Instead, David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head (26:11) and later showed it to Saul’s troops, saying, “The Lord will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness. I would not harm the Lord’s anointed” (26:23). This pause between the events happened at night when “all remained asleep” (26:12). The passage reminds us that the time of deep sleep is the work of the Lord. There are situations in our lives when we are also like Saul—broken, weak, vulnerable—but also anointed by G-d for the work we are about. The water jug reminds us of our Baptism when we were anointed by the Spirit of G-d for our life’s work and share with Christ as “priest, prophet, and servant leader” (Wilhelm, 128). Kindness, mercy, and forgiveness were some of the gifts we received from our loving G-d at our Baptism. These gifts continue throughout our lifetime. We are also called to share these gifts with those along the way who have not had these same experiences from other travelers like ourselves.
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. When do you find it most difficult to “be kind” to another? 2. Do you experience others offering forgiveness and mercy to those who have hurt them? Do you see change in these situations? If so, in what way? 3. How do you see capital punishment in reference to these readings?
Bibliography: Wilhelm, Deborah. “Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.” Catholic Women Preach—Cycle C, Orbis Book, 2024, Maryknoll, NY, pp. 127-128.
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Mary Louise Chesley-Cora, USA, Bat Kol Alumna 2001
[Copyright © 2025]
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