The readings last Sunday teach us that in our earthly life, we must learn to treat others not necessarily as they treat us, but as Jesus would treat them.
In the first reading, David who as not yet king, is being pursued by King Saul and his army. David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the eventual king. This was due to King Saul’s disobedience to God’s Will. Saul had become arrogant, and he was very jealous of David. This was because of David’s immense popularity with the people, after slaying the enemy Goliath and saving the Israelites from the Philistines. Saul wanted to protect his position as king and remove David as a perceived threat to his throne. He was unscrupulous and had already arranged for eighty-five priests at Nob to be killed because they had assisted David. In the reading last Sunday, David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but was merciful and instead spared his life, to show his loyalty. Saul then acknowledged that one day David would be king.
The second reading reminds us that we have been made in the image and likeness of God and called to be godly in our conduct and forgiving.
In the Gospel Jesus teaches us how to respond to being mistreated. Aided by divine grace, we should:
Love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.
The Saints are people who knew how to forgive as Jesus forgave. For example, St Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles, forgave those who were murdering him by stoning him to death for the Faith. St Maria Goretti, while dying in hospital, forgave the young man who had tried to rape her and then repeatedly stabbed her because she resisted. She later appeared in a vision to her attacker while he was in prison, and he was converted. St Ignatius of Loyola forgave and nursed a sick man who had stolen his life’s savings. St Edmund Campion forgave and helped the man who had betrayed him. The Saints are people who live cheerfully and peacefully in the world.
Les Miserables is a famous novel, film and play. There is a scene where Bishop Myriel helps Jean Valijean who had recently been released from nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread and who had been shunned by society. Jean finds refuge at the home of the Christ-like Bishop Myriel who welcomes him, offering food and shelter, without judgement. Despite the kindness of the Bishop, Jean, embittered by long years in prison and jaded by the rejection of society, steals the Bishop’s silverware during the night and makes his escape. He is soon caught by the police and brought back to the Bishop’s House. The police present the stolen silverware to the Bishop, expecting him to confirm the theft. But in a stunning act of compassion, Bishop Myriel tells the police that the silverware was a gift. He even reproaches Jean for forgetting to take the silver candlesticks as well. The police, convinced by the Bishop’s words, release Jean. Once they leave, Jean breaks down and the holy Bishop tells him that he has bought Jean’s soul for God. He urges the thief to use the silverware to become an honest man and live a life of virtue. This act of mercy and forgiveness moves Jean who profoundly repents, makes a good Confession and becomes a new man and a devout Catholic. This scene is a powerful example of mercy and compassion that can transform a life. Love really is transforming. It is good to see young couples who are deeply in love. Their whole persona changes. It is the same with someone who finds and embraces their religious vocation. There is great peace and joy. Love is transforming.
We should all try to love more and never make enmity with someone a two-way street, but instead forgive and avoid destructive criticism and gossip which wounds. Stories are usually embellished and soon reputations can be destroyed and communities divided. Let’s really take the words of Jesus to heart and live them:
Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.
Praise be Jesus Christ and the eternal Fiat, now and forever.