Second Sunday of Luke: Luke 6:31–36

In the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Luke (Luke 6:31–36), Christ calls us to move beyond a love that works like an exchange: I give to you because you give to me; I love you because you love me. He does not belittle love between friends or the value of gratitude. He reveals, however, that life with God opens the heart beyond the circle of those who like us and treat us kindly. The decisive question is whether our love also has room for the person who does not love us.

“As you wish others to do to you, do likewise to them.” This commandment does not tell us to treat others as they treat us. It asks us to take the initiative in offering the goodness we ourselves wish to receive. Saint Cyril of Alexandria observes that the Lord makes our own desire for kindness and forgiveness a guide for our conduct. Since we know how much we need understanding and forbearance, we can recognize how much our neighbor needs them too. In this way, our own need becomes a starting point for moving beyond selfishness.

Christ’s words then become more demanding: “Love your enemies.” It is not enough to refrain from revenge; we are called to desire and actively work for the good of the person…