Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48

## Roman Catholic Lens Reading of Matthew 5:43-48

### Tradition-Specific Interpretation

In Matthew 5:43-48, we read this passage as a profound call to Christian perfection, rooted in the divine call to love as God loves. This commandment to love even our enemies reflects the universal love of God, who 'makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.' The call to perfection ('be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect') is understood in the Catholic tradition as a journey of sanctification, where we cooperate with God's grace to grow in holiness. This passage invites us into the sacramental life of the Church, where we are continuously transformed by the grace of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, to become more like Christ.

### Key Language Decisions