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For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
“Love your enemies,” says Jesus. Apparently, it’s not up for discussion. It’s not something to be tried once in a blue moon, if we’re in the mood. It’s not an abstraction; it’s love in its most extreme action. With these words Jesus establishes an extraordinary standard for compassion. We may find it difficult enough to love good friends, or some family members, or ourselves. But this is the Jesus way. Mercy for the unmerciful is the path that God has chosen to transform the instinct for revenge into the power of unconditional love. We are the delivery system for God’s healing power. (Try saying that when someone asks you where you go to church. “I don’t go to church. I’m a delivery system for the mercy of God, 24/7, 365.”)
