RADICAL LOVE

The Sermon on the Plain according to Luke contains the hard sayings, shocking words, hard lessons and major teachings of Jesus. They seem idealistic and unrealistic in a troubled world in which we live. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. They are impossible to do if we rely on our own strength. It is only through the grace of God that we are able to embrace them. The hard sayings of Jesus refer to the attitudes, behaviors and values of the kingdom. Jesus is the kingdom of God in person. He inaugurates the kingdom of God and He creates new heavens, new earth. When Jesus says, “Love your enemies,” He calls us to love the way God loves with no string attached. It is a test of love because we are called to love even those who are unlovable. It is an example of the all inclusive, tremendous love of God for all, including those undeserving. The love here is agape love that is, to work for the well being of others without boundaries and conditions. It is not sentimental, emotional love. It is not about warm feelings for those who mistreat us. It is an active non violence stance that brings healing and reconciliation. Often in the eyes of the world, non violence is seen as cowardice and weakness. Aggression and violence in the eyes of the world is seen as strength and courage. A disciple of Jesus is called to seize the initiative by loving, doing good, blessing and praying. We are called to make the love of God shine in our lives. Jesus calls a non retaliation attitude which is not passivity and does not succumb to evil and injustice. A true disciple of Jesus is called to stand for justice, truth and integrity. Non retaliation and active non violence requires a tremendous inner strength and a strong sense of security. This is possible only through the grace of the Holy Spirit. We are called then to be children of the Most High who alone can truly give a gift without expecting anything in return. It is a call to an end to reciprocity which is not a behavior of the kingdom. Reciprocity is exchange and expectation. God goes beyond justice to mercy. This is the way of the Cross, to deny ourselves, to carry our cross and to follow Jesus. It is a call to rely on God alone which is the only way to be strong, to be fully alive and to be totally free.