Jesus has some very challenging things to say to us in today’s Mass: love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; turn the other cheek; stop judging; stop condemning; forgive. The challenge is so strong that it can take our breath away. It seems so unnatural and against our human instinct. We wonder how it is possible.
The expectations for our conduct can be summarized with Jesus’ guiding principle in today’s gospel: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” We are to be like God. We are to imitate the mindset and conduct of Jesus himself. St. Paul sets up the contrast between Adam (representing all of us) as the earthly and natural one whereas Jesus is the heavenly and spiritual one. Jesus shows us the way.
Who is a good example for you of striving to be like God? How does your conscience help you to conduct your life as Jesus teaches?