Today’s first reading shows that God was displeased with the injustice and cruelty of King Ahab and his wife in taking an innocent man’s vineyard. The king’s desire for more and misuse of power outweighed any concern for justice. Yet nothing escapes God’s sight. He sees cruelty and evil desires, but he is also compassionate and merciful. When the king recognizes his wrongdoing and seeks God’s mercy, we witness God’s forgiveness. This is the God we serve: a God who waits for his children to humble themselves and plead for mercy, who sent his only Son so we might receive redemption. The cross is the ultimate symbol of love and sacrifice. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to love as children of God. Loving those who love us is easy; loving our enemies is difficult. Yet this is our calling: to love even when it is hard, to love until it hurts, and to show mercy over resentment. We are called to reflect God’s love in our thoughts, words, and actions.

PRAYER: Abba Father, I pray for the grace to love like you did, to be perfect as you are perfect. Amen.