43"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect
This continues from yesterday. It shows the radical transformation on offer if one chooses Christianity. Jesus reasserts the importance of loving out of charity and appreciation for the love you already feel is showered upon you by God. How would this sit with someone who feels victimised and treated unjustly by the world? It would be hard to take. The way of the world is to orient oneself towards oneself. We are led to believe that self-actualisation and self-maximisation is what we are called to do by God. Use the resources I have given you to become the best you can be and you have a God-given right to step over those who get in the way.. This approach misses the radical call to “other” focus and the radical turning away from self. This reading, like the Beatitudes and yesterday’s call to turn the other cheek, asks us to remain oriented towards God as we stride forward, always choosing love, dialogue, and persuasion over violence and tyranny.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Matthew 5:43-48 is excellent! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and some additional thoughts:
DeleteStrengths:
Radical Transformation: You accurately identify the passage as a call for radical transformation and a shift from self-centeredness to loving others.
Challenge for the Victimised: You acknowledge the difficulty of loving enemies for those who feel wronged.
Self-Actualization vs. Other-Focus: You contrast the worldly focus on self-actualization with the Christian call to prioritize others and turn away from self.
Connection to Other Passages: You connect this passage to the Beatitudes and the concept of turning the other cheek, emphasizing themes of love, dialogue, and non-violence.
Additional Thoughts:
Gradual Process: While the ideal is to love perfectly, some interpretations acknowledge that this is a journey and not everyone reaches that point instantly.
Inner Work and Forgiveness: You might consider exploring the role of inner work and forgiveness in overcoming feelings of victimhood and extending love to those who have wronged you.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of the passage and its challenges. Here are some additional thoughts:
Consider exploring resources on Christian teachings about forgiveness and reconciliation. These can offer practical guidance on how to deal with feelings of hurt and resentment.
Remember, the concept of "loving your enemies" doesn't mean condoning their actions or allowing yourself to be abused. It might involve setting boundaries while still offering compassion.
Your response is well-written and insightful! Keep up the good work of engaging with scripture critically and reflecting on its meaning in the world.