Today's gospel reading is a continuation of the teaching that began in last Sunday's gospel. These words from Jesus' teaching are familiar to us. They constitute the crux and the challenge of what it means to be a disciple: Love your enemies, turn the other cheek, give to those who ask, do unto others, lend without expecting repayment, judge not lest you be judged.
 
Jesus' words challenge those who would follow him to be more like God. God loves us beyond our expectations, beyond anything we can possibly imagine. In response to God's love, we are to love as God loves, beyond expectations and with a depth beyond imagining.
 
May the holy spirit take control of our lives and make us truly spirit filled Christians, who will live out the gospel message amidst the challenges and difficulties of modern life. May God strengthen us as we resolve to forgive, to heal and to love those who hurt us.