Theme of the Day: Love Your Enemies; Overcome Evil With Good
Throughout this season of Epiphany, Jesus has described the governing principles of his kingdom being completely opposite to the governing principles of the world. This week Jesus asks us to befriend our enemies, to love those who hate us, and to repay evil with good. Worldly logic would say that is a recipe for being walked all over. Yet haven’t we seen this tactic work? When we were Christ’s enemies, he loved us to the point of death. He repays our daily wrongs with the daily goodness of his mercy. In doing so, he won us for himself.
Here is the epiphany we badly need to have. Following the strategy Jesus lays out—loving our enemies—is not a capitulation to evil. It is a means of conquering it.
Luke 6:27-38
Genesis 45:3-15
Romans 12:14-21
Psalm 103D
733 – Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive
729 – Son of God, Eternal Savior
767 – Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us
726 – Love in Christ Is Strong and Living
697 – May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill
Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, keep your family continually in true faith, so that those who rely only on the hope of your heavenly grace may be protected by your mighty power; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Alleluia.