Feb. 23, 2014 7th Sunday after Epiphany

Matthew 5:38-48

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
    43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.


Matthew’s use of the word ‘perfect’ sets before us the challenge and invitation to an unlimited human adventure in holiness.  There are no limits with God!

“The command to be as perfect, as whole as God is, becomes the command for uncalculating love, the kind we have all received.”  Proclamation 3A, Epiphany, p. 53

We are to “bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things.”

We are challenged to absorb evil rather than pass it on.
Forget revenge, no mater how just.  It has to stop; why not with me.
Imitate grace, for this is God at God’s best.  Love as we are loved!