“Love Redefined”

Matthew 5: 43, 44: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” After six examples of how the Pharisees’ interpretation of the Law was insufficient, Jesus closes this portion of the Sermon on the Mount with the most important issue of all: love, as expressed in relationships. For sure, unless our concept of love goes beyond the ‘for barkada only’ approach, we will be no different from unbelievers. But we are called to be more; we are called to be perfect. How? Through properly received, understood, and practiced Christian charity; aka love, which is for all, not just selected candidates.