Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time ‘C’, Second Sunday before Lent (Sexagesima Sunday)

The readings today are unified by a central theme: the transformative power of Christian love, particularly when expressed through unconditional forgiveness within a community of believers who themselves have been forgiven. These readings guide us in making choices, highlighting that right decisions strengthen our connection with God and each other, while wrong ones damage those relationships.

The First Reading illustrates this through the example of David, who makes the right choice by forgiving Saul, God’s anointed king, and respecting him despite his offenses. In contrast, Saul's wrong choices lead him deeper into misery fueled by revenge.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 103, emphasizes God’s mercy and compassion, virtues we are encouraged to practice in our own lives.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul contrasts the choices of two figures: the "First Adam," whose disobedience led to death, and Jesus, the "Second Adam," whose obedience fulfilled God's saving plan.

The Gospel today (Luke 6:27-38) presents Jesus' radical teachings on how we should navigate our human relationships. It underscores the golden rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you," and elaborates with specific directives: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who maltreat you." For Jesus, love is an essential stance aimed at the well-being of others. He challenges us to love our enemies and to exhibit mercy akin to God’s mercy. He calls us to emulate this divine compassion and refrain from judging, urging us instead to practice forgiveness.

What sets Christianity apart is the concept of grace - God’s life at work within us - which empowers us to treat others with love, kindness, and mercy, regardless of whether they deserve it. God extends his goodness to both the just and the unjust. Therefore, our love for others, including those who are ungrateful or selfish, should mirror the same kindness and mercy God has shown us. His love can overcome our wounds, fears, prejudices, and sorrows. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can liberate us from cruelty, hatred, and resentment, equipping us with the courage to respond to evil with good.

In every Mass, we pray the "Our Father," asking for God’s forgiveness as we forgive others. We face the challenge of overcoming our instinctive tendency to resent those who hurt us—family, coworkers, neighbors, and others. To rise to this challenge, we must seek God’s strength to forgive, understanding that true healing comes from forgiveness. By remembering how God has pardoned us, we find encouragement to forgive others. Let's begin the journey of forgiveness