Love of Enemies

Readings for Tuesday June 15, 2010

First Reading: 1 Kings 21:17-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48


Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt 5:43-48)

Today's gospel is at the heart of what we are here on earth for ... to love and be loved. We are called to love everyone, not matter who they are or what they have done. Usually when we hear talk about loving everyone, a wall immediately goes up, and there is someone that has done us wrong that pops up in our mind. We begin thinking things like, "okay, I can work on loving everyone else, except that person." The reality is that there are people who have done some serious wrong in our lives, and it is there people who are truly the hardest to forgive and love. But think about this, doesn't God love each one of us no matter what? Doesn't He forgive all the times that we have ignored Him, cursed Him, done wrong to others? Doesn't He wait for us patiently and embrace us when we call? Isn't He the only one who can love us as we really desire? No, it is not easy to love those who do not love you, or those who have done you wrong. Love is never easy, but it is the only choice that we truly find peace and joy from, and it is the only choice that is worth it in the end.

Today, reflect on those in your life who have done you wrong. What is it that you can do to love them? Could you let them know how they hurt you and forgive them? Could you do a good act of service for them? Could you pray for them?

Our main purpose in this life is to love and be loved; and we should let nothing get in the way of this important mission.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with, thank you for all that you give to us. Lord, help us to love as you call us to. Help us to love without holding back, just as you do for us. Lord, by ourselves we fall short, but with your help we can accomplish anything. We pray for all those who have done us wrong, help us to find the strength to forgive. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.