Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.
All Commentaries on Matthew 5:48 Go To Matthew 5
Glossa Ordinaria
AD 1480
Non occ.: The Lord has taught above that we must not resist one who offers any injury, but must be ready even to suffer more; He now further requires us toshew to them that do us wrong both love and its effects. And as the things that have gone before pertain to the completion of the righteousness of the Law, inlike manner this last precept is to be referred to the completion of the law of love, which, according to the Apostle, is the fulfilling of the Law.
ord.: But it should be known, that in the whole body of the Law it is no where written, Thou shalt hate thy enemy. But it is to be referred to the tradition of the Scribes, who thought good to add this to the Law, because the Lord bade the children of Israel pursue their enemies, and destroy Amalek from under heaven.
ord.: They who stand against the Church oppose her in three ways; with hate, with words, and with bodily tortures. The Church on the other hand loves them, as it is here, “Love your enemies;” does good to them, as it is, “Do good to the m that hate you;” and prays for them, as it is, “Pray for them that persecute you and accuse you falsely.”.
non occ.: To love one that loves us is of nature, but to love our enemy of charity. “If ye love them who love you, what reward have ye?” to wit, in heaven. None truly, for of such it is said, “Ye have received your reward.” But these things we ought to do, and not leave the other undone.
non occ.: But if you only pray for them that are your kinsfolk, what more has your benevolence than that of the unbelieving? Salutation is a kind of prayer.
