The illogicality of God

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 6:27-38

This Sunday's gospel doesn't need too much explanations.  It is what it says, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly."

There's no logic to this.  Only the logical person would say, "An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth."  But Jesus would command us, "Love your enemies." Why is this the logic of God?

For one, when we retaliate against our enemies, how do we differ from them?  "'Vengeance is mine,' says the Lord" (Deut. 32: 35).   But it is the Lord who speaks, not us.  We are not gods.  Besides, Jesus reminds us of the golden rule, "Do no do unto others what we don't want others to do to us." Remember, the wounds we inflict upon our enemies come back to us with vengeance.

"Love one another" is Jesus' command to us; and that means everyone, saints and sinners, friends and enemies alike.  "For he (the Most High) himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked."  

Furthermore, learn to see the face of God even in the enemy, for Jesus reminds us, "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do it to me" (Mat. 25, 40). 

Lastly, if ever we feel not forgiving our enemies, look at the man on the cross who suffered even for his enemies.  He said, "Father, forgive them; for they don't know what they do" (Lk. 23, 34).  Jesus forgave his enemies a long time ago.  Who knows?  Our enemies might be the first ones to go to heaven ahead of us.

So, let us be concerned with the salvation of our enemies rather than with their doom.  The logic of God is love; and it is all that matters.