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GOSPEL | Luke 6:27-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“To you who hear I say,
love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
To the person who strikes you on one cheek,
offer the other one as well,
and from the person who takes your cloak,
do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you,
and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For if you love those who love you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners do the same.
If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners,
and get back the same amount.
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give, and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”
EVERY WEEK QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Who do you struggle to love?
Jesus' teaching in this passage is one of the most radical aspects of Christianity—love your enemies. The world teaches us to defend ourselves, to strike back, to withhold mercy from those who don’t deserve it. Yet Christ calls us to a love that breaks the cycle of hatred and revenge.
This command is not passivity or weakness; it is a deliberate act of strength in grace. The Greek word for "love" used here is agape—the highest form of love, a self-sacrificial choice rather than a feeling. Jesus is not saying we must feel affection for those who hurt us, but rather, we must choose their good, pray for them, and seek reconciliation.
Psychological studies confirm the power of forgiveness. Research from Harvard Medical School (2020) shows that holding onto resentment leads to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and even heart disease, while those who forgive experience lower blood pressure and greater emotional well-being. This echoes Jesus’ words: when we give mercy, we receive it.
Jesus' call to “lend expecting nothing back” challenges our transactional mindset. In our relationships, we often give with strings attached—seeking gratitude, favor, or recognition in return. But true love is generous, expecting nothing in return. The Catechism (CCC 2842) teaches that Christian love "transforms the disciple by conforming him to his Master.” This means loving others not as they deserve, but as God has loved us.
Jesus warns that the measure we use—whether generosity or judgment—will be returned to us. If we measure out grudgingly, withholding mercy, we will find ourselves receiving the same. But if we give abundantly, God will pour even more into our laps. Do we trust God enough to live this way?
Who in your life is difficult to love? Do you hold onto resentment, expecting others to prove their worth before you forgive? Jesus’ teaching is not easy, but it is the only way to true freedom, peace, and holiness.
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Loving the unlovable: Is there someone in your life you struggle to love or forgive? What steps can you take to pray for them and treat them with grace, even if they don’t change?
Letting go of the need for fairness: Jesus calls us to give freely without expecting anything in return. Are there areas where you give conditionally, expecting acknowledgment or payback?
Measuring with mercy: Jesus says we will be measured by the same standard we use for others. If God judged you by the way you judge others, how would you measure up? How can you practice more mercy?
LIVE IT
Going around, affirm one particular way that person has inspired you by his/her ability to love, forgive, or give generously. Encourage him/her.
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