June 16 - Homily for Today

Jesus’ command to be perfect, is just the perfect thing that we need to hear. It is part of the power of Jesus speaking – Jesus who is God’s very speech-in-the-flesh – that his words are effective: that is they not only suggest, request and even command tasks to be performed – some of which can seem daunting – but because they are spoken by him, they carry with them the internal spiritual power to perform what they command.

And so today Jesus’ command to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect is just perfect: for by it Jesus is telling us that it is not as impossible as we might imagine to act as God’s real children, but that it is, in fact, quite possible, quite doable – even in the most extreme of cases of “loving one’s enemies.”

In the days of the Roman Empire – and in imperial and intimidating regimes throughout history – and even on a personal level – between family members and friends – loving those who directly oppose us and our ideology and values has been simply out of the question. It would seem that there would be no reason to do such a thing.

But, as our gospel tells us today, if we don’t do this: love everyone everywhere because God loves and sustains them: then in a sense we become the enemy and we are no better off than they are. If sinners and enemies are kind and compassionate to one another – a band of thieves – then, ought not we do the same: but empowered by the Holy Spirit who soothes the rough edges and fills both sides with peace and joy!

May Jesus be our model today and the empowerment for our transformed behavior towards those we might not like, nor get along with – for he came and reconciled us with God when we were far from being friends, and yes, even enemies.

Going out into the world as a potential friend, will get us much farther than as being a potential adversary and enemy!

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.