杏MAP导航

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

杏MAP导航 Francis celebrated Mass after meeting with the Bishops of the Mediterranean region gathered in Bari, Italy. During his homily, the 杏MAP导航 reflected on the Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48.

Jesus goes beyond

杏MAP导航 Francis began his homily explaining that Jesus went beyond the 鈥渁ncient law: 鈥楢n eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth鈥� 鈥� which itself was 鈥渁 sign of progress, since it prevented excessive retaliation鈥�. By asking us to say no to violence, 杏MAP导航 Francis said that Jesus went 鈥渇ar beyond this鈥�.

The Father loves everyone

Jesus鈥� words do not mean that if we practice non-violence that 鈥渢he wicked will desist鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis said. Rather, the reason why Jesus went beyond the ancient law was so because 鈥渢he Father, our Father, continues to love everyone, even when his love is not reciprocated鈥�. Jesus practiced what He preached, the 杏MAP导航 continued. 鈥淗e did not point a finger at those who wrongfully condemned him and put him to a cruel death, but opened his arms to them on the cross鈥�.

Extremists in loving

Jesus鈥� words are direct and clear and are the 鈥渙nly way鈥� for those who call themselves Christian, the 杏MAP导航 continued. 鈥� 鈥楤ut I say to you: love your enemies鈥�.  His words are deliberate and precise鈥�. Jesus鈥� love has no boundaries, barriers, or measure, the 杏MAP导航 said. Yet, 鈥淗ow many times have we neglected that demand, behaving like everyone else!鈥� The only extremism that Christians are allowed is the 鈥渆xtremism of charity鈥� which Jesus Himself asks of us.

Pray to learn how to love

杏MAP导航 Francis admitted that it is hard to love as Jesus asks us. Yet, if it were impossible, Jesus would not have given us such a commend. 鈥淏y our own effort, it is difficult to achieve; it is a grace and it needs to be implored鈥�. In addition to asking for God鈥檚 help in other things, or for favours, the 杏MAP导航 suggested that we 鈥減ray to learn how to love!  We need to pray more frequently for the grace to live the essence of the Gospel, to be truly Christian.  For 鈥榠n the evening of life, we will be judged on love鈥� (Saint John of the Cross, Sayings of Light and Love, 57).

Today choose love!

In concluding his homily, 杏MAP导航 Francis himself used direct and precise language: 鈥淭oday let us choose love鈥�, he said. 鈥淟et us accept the challenge of Jesus, the challenge of charity.  Then we will be true Christians and our world will be more human鈥�.