Lesson of the Week: Beyond Dogmatic Religious Teachings

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

What is our reaction when listening to John Lennon's song "Imagine"? Some of us might think that he attacks religion. We must acknowledge that religion can be a source of division and conflict.

However, it is not entirely true that his intention to write the song is to attack religion. Instead, he is promoting peace and unity beyond religious teachings. His vision is one of a world where people live together in harmony, without enemies and conflicts.

Is it possible to live without enemies? Perhaps it is not. Living together with our enemies in a spirit of love is possible. Hmm, it sounds abstract and absurd.

Today's readings invite us to reflect on the issues deeply. The first reading shows how David made the right choice by respecting God's anointed King (1 Samuel 26:9). He did not take revenge against Saul. Instead, he forgave Saul's offenses. David acted beyond the norms.

The second reading tells us that the "First Adam" chose disobedience incorrectly, bringing death into the world. However, Jesus, the "Second Adam," fulfilled his Father's saving plan for humanity by accepting suffering and death.

Jesus manifests his teaching in an honest and convincing love.

Today's Gospel gives us Jesus' revolutionary moral teaching about correct choices in human relationships based on our obligation to behave like the children of a loving, forgiving, compassionate, and merciful Heavenly Father.

Jesus teaches us to practice the Golden Rule beyond what most societies teach and practice. He goes beyond dogmatic religious teachings.

He encourages us to pray for the strength to forgive and to overcome our natural inclination to hate our neighbours and all who offend or hurt us.

Without love and forgiveness, there is no peace and harmony. Unfortunately, until now, we have not been free from hatred, retaliation, revenge, and wars. It is even worse that some religions are behind conflicts and wars.

The more people practice their religions, the easier it is for them to create conflict with those whose religions are different from theirs.

Christians are called to practice Jesus Christ's fundamental teachings, namely, to love and to forgive, not to judge and not to condemn. Jesus came to the world to manifest God's love and forgiveness to all who act as God's enemies.

He commanded his disciples to do the same by loving and forgiving their enemies.

Meister Eckhart, a 13th-century German theologian and mystic, emphasizes that loving one's enemies is not merely a moral obligation but a spiritual necessity. He wrote, "To love one's enemies is to love God, for God is in all things... When you see your enemy, see God in him, and love God in him."

Eckhart encourages us to transcend our limited perspectives and see the divine spark within every person, including our enemies. He interprets Jesus' command to bless those who curse us as a call to inner transformation. "When someone curses you, bless them, and you will be blessed. For by blessing them, you are not changing the other person, but yourself," he wrote.

This is a very challenging task for all of us. Indeed, it is beyond dogmatic religious teaching.