Gift of Love – Reflection on Luke 6:27-38
God’s gift of genuine love is given equally to everyone without prejudice. However, while an impossibility in physics, the echo of the love returned is often more remarkable than it began. Our prayers, thoughts, and various outward forms of love must reach into places it has never been if we expect to make changes in our world. The gift of love may not be able to end a war, but it may settle an argument, change a sinner’s heart, or heal an inner wound. Our reward will be more love than we could ever imagine. With God’s guidance, love becomes mirrored in a growing infinite loop by sharing what we have received with others.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 6:27-38 – Scripture*
Love for Enemies
27 “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Judging Others
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 6:27-38 Reflection – Gift of Love.
Would you like to contribute thoughts related to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions. Amen
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Luke 6 Bible passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Gift of Love
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Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.