Leave Vengeance for God

1 Sam. 26:2.7-9.12-23, I Cor. 15:45-49, Lk. 6:27-38. On this Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church reminds us of the essential virtues: Mercy and compassion, love of God and neighbour, self-control and appreciation of values, moral responsibility, awareness of sin and to have sense of the sacred. Today’s first reading presents David as model of such virtue. David had the death warrant of his enemies in his hands, yet refused to pronounce it. He heeded to God’s word: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Do not take revenge. Vengeance is mine” (Rom. 12:17-19, Deut. 32:35). In today’s Gospel, Jesus gave a very important sermon on these essential virtues that must guide our lives and actions. His sermon overrules the Old Testament law of retributive justice.

In His sermon, Jesus taught us to leave vengeance for God and never take any opportunity for revenge against our offenders. Forgiveness heals all wounds and wipes all scars away. Reprisal attack or revenge may hurt us even more than it will hurt our offender. In this case, we may win the war but not the peace, the love and the friendship. Paul reminds us in the second reading that, the grace of God is always there to help us. Though, Christ’s new commandment may seem difficult, His spirit and grace will enable us to let go and let God.

May the Lord level every 'mountain' of hatred and acrimony, vengeful anger and sadness in our hearts and free us from the prison of the past with His grace! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!