In our First Reading, From the Book Of
Samuel
1Sm 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23
This old testament tradition shows us a beautiful feature of David's character. He spares his enemy when he could easily kill him with impunity! David's reason for letting Saul live is that he does not dare to lay hands on the Lord's anointed king out of the fear that he might be punished.
The point of this reading for us is mainly David's compassion to be followed.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.
In the Second Reading, From the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
1 Cor 15:45-49
Paul compares our risen Lord Jesus with the Adam of the Book of Genesis. Adam is our origin and model as plain human beings. Jesus Christ is our origin and model as baptized Christians who are reborn from water and the Spirit. As such, we are now already like "the heavenly one," Jesus Christ, to a certain extent. Our likeness to Christ will be realized more perfectly in the resurrection.
During our lifetime we should constantly grow into the likeness of the risen Lord, and in him into the likeness of the heavenly Father1
In the Gospel of Luke
Lk 6:27-38
This reading continues Jesus' sermon in which he challenges his followers to attain perfection. Throughout the ages countless men and women have tried to follow the recommendations set forth in this sermon and those who have succeeded have become great saints. We also should try to do so.
The exhortation to "lend expecting nothing back" should cause us no wonder if we remember that in Biblical times money did not yet have the commercial function it has now. Moreover, there is a vast difference between a bank granting a business loan and an individual helping a friend as well as possible under the circumstances.
We might also compare the motivation for showing mercy to others found in the words "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. " Both motives are good, but the one of the Gospel is the more perfect. Finally we must keep in mind that the words " Give and gifts will be given to you" provide just one motive for generosity. It does not have to be our only one. The Gospels offer many reasons for us to be generous.
