
We Are Called to Love Radically
by Father Brian J. Soliven on Sunday February 23, 2025
In a world often driven by division, anger, and the instinct to seek revenge, the words of Jesus in Luke 6:27-38 stand as a beacon of radical love and boundless grace. These verses invite us into a higher way of living, one that challenges the norms of retaliation and self-interest and instead calls us to love without limits. Jesus begins with a powerful command: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). At first glance, this might seem impossible. The idea of loving those who hurt us, those who oppose us, can be deeply unsettling. But in this message, Jesus is not only asking us to forgive; he is showing us that the power of love is greater than the power of hatred. When we choose to love, even when it is difficult, we break the chains of bitterness and resentment. Love becomes a transformative force, capable of healing wounds and bridging divides.
Jesus takes it further by urging us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us (v. 28). This is not passive forgiveness, but an active decision to seek the good of others—even those who have wronged us. It's easy to love those who love us, but the true challenge comes in responding with kindness and compassion to those who might never offer the same in return. Yet, it is precisely in this space that we find the heart of God’s love—unconditional and gracious, not based on what we receive, but on who we are called to be.
The passage continues with more radical teachings, encouraging us to turn the other cheek when struck and to give to those who ask (v. 29-30). These instructions call us to rise above the instinct to protect ourselves at all costs, inviting us instead to live with an open heart and open hands. When we act with generosity, not out of obligation, but from a place of love, we mirror God’s overflowing grace and mercy.
At the core of these verses lies the “Golden Rule”: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (v. 31). This simple yet profound principle speaks to the power of empathy and respect. If we treat others with the same kindness, compassion, and understanding that we desire for ourselves, we begin to create a world that reflects the love of God in every interaction. Jesus concludes with an inspiring promise. When we embrace these radical ways of love and generosity, we align ourselves with the heart of God, who is merciful, kind, and generous (v. 36-38). In return, we will receive mercy, goodness, and blessings in ways we cannot even imagine. This is not a transaction, but a reflection of God’s eternal and unchanging nature.
Luke 6:27-38 calls us to live beyond our own limitations and to embody a love that transcends every hurt, every fear, and every barrier. It reminds us that the way of Christ is the way of selfless love—a love that heals, restores, and builds bridges even in the most difficult of circumstances. It challenges us to be agents of transformation in a broken world, shining as reflections of the incredible love that God has shown to each of us. When we embrace these teachings, we don't just change our own hearts; we begin to change the world around us.