Love of Enemies: A Smart Strategy or Something More?

Christopher Owczarek

Published : 2014-11-28

Vol. 61 No. 10 (2014)

Love of Enemies: A Smart Strategy or Something More?

Christopher Owczarek

Abstract

Which one of us, who seriously wants to live up to the Gospel, was never haunted by Jesus' words on the love of enemy? These words are especially burning when the enemy is easily identifiable, ruthless and acting with a sense of impunity, as it is often the case. It is not so easy, in such circumstances, to accept and put into practice Jesus' challenge:

“But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away you cloak do not withhold you tunic as well. Give to everyone who asks from you; and of him who takes what is yours do not ask it back As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:27-36)

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love of enemies, enemy, mercy

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Christopher Owczarek

kriso716@gmail.com

Affiliation:

Tangaza University College in Nairobi Kenya

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Christopher Owczarek, born in Pila, Poland, in 1960, entered the Salesian Society in 1979 and was ordained priest in 1987. In the same year, he obtained Master in Theology at the Catholic University of Lublin and later, in 1991, Licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Since then he has been teaching at different Universities and Institutes of Higher Learning mostly in Eastern Africa but also in Rome and Jerusalem. In 2000, he defended his doctoral dissertation at the Gregorian University in Rome. Currently, he teaches Scripture at the Tangaza University College in Nairobi. He is also the Dean at the Salesian Theological College in the same town in Kenya.