In the first reading Paul praises the Corinthians for their generosity to help those in need and exhorts them to continue being generous, following the example of Christ: “You know well the generosity of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Although he was rich, he made himself poor to make you rich through his poverty.”
The generous person enriches others with his help but is himself also enriched by being open-handed; and of course, he is repaid by God.
In the Gospel reading we are enjoined to love our enemies. We have enemies because we may have offended them or others may be envious of our good fortune or the evil one may have provoked others to go against us. If, with God’s grace, we are able to do good to our enemies, they may even be our staunchest supporters.
There may be others who are, for whatever reasons, simply evil and unjust, conceited and self-serving, who enjoy persecuting and destroying others: God calls us to love them and to pray for them. With God’s grace, they may soften their hearts and reform. For indeed, with God’s grace, nothing is impossible.
