Jesus has just launched the “blessed are you” revolution into the lives of every human. Now, he unravels the first “how-to” instruction through an imperative: Love your enemies. You will do so at once, without waiting, not in response but in anticipation, not because that is how things are, but because you are the difference.
Human wisdom, however, challenges Jesus: loving enemies is impossible.
Jesus challenges the wisdom of humanity: love one another, or you will destroy yourself. For night is not defeated with more darkness; hatred is not beaten with more hatred on the scales of history.
Jesus wants to eliminate the very concept of the enemy. Everyone around us, everything within us says: flee from Cain, who killed his brother, drive him away, make him harmless. Then Jesus comes and surprises us: approach your enemies, reversing fear into loving custody because fear does not deliver from evil.
What you desire, do to others: prodigious wisdom of the law, the last instance of the commandment is your desire. The world you choose, build it. “Be the change you want to see in the world” (Gandhi).
That which you desire for yourself that keeps you alive and makes you happy, you will give to your fellow traveler beyond the eternal illusion of give and take; open the door of peace.
Forge a new path in human interaction; abandon the label “enemy” for your brother. Evil divides, but God unites and blesses His family, filling your heart with joy.