Love and Pray for Your Enemies
Brethren, God is love and where there is love, there is God. In the first readings God calls us his people, but we shall remain his people when we love him and follow his commandments. All his commandments are summarized into one, which is love. This implies that we shall remain God's people if we love. In the Gospel, Jesus defines what this love is. It is the sacrificial love given to everyone even your enemies. He invites us to love and pray for our enemies for this is what makes us unique as Christians different from other beliefs. People will know that we are Christians only by our love, and therefore, Christian life must be a life of love.
Few passages of Scripture are as unpalatable as today’s Gospel. Over two thousand years after our Lord spoke these words, they can be just as hard to hear. Generally, we don’t want to love people who do not love us nor do not want to pray for them. We prefer to greet and spend time with those whose company we enjoy. And as for people who persecute us, isn’t it enough to try to stay out of their way? Jesus was speaking to a people who knew all too well what it was to have enemies. The Jews of his time lived under military occupation. Furthermore, Jesus certainly knew of the persecution that was to come against the early Christians. Still, he insisted that his followers set aside hatred and radiate his love to all, even their bitter enemies. What a challenge!
Jesus wants to set us free from evil, hatred, and jealousy. He knows that when we fume and stew over injustices, real or perceived, we are turning away from the abundant life he offers us. He wants to give us the joy and freedom that comes from forgiving others. He promises deep peace when we pray for a person who has wronged us. Jesus asks of us something that is possible only with his grace. And then tells us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is. Perhaps today the closest we can get to becoming perfect as our Father in heaven is to ask Jesus to give us the will to forgive, or the words to pray for someone who has wronged us. God made each of us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26,27). That is why he calls us to grow in maturity and wholeness so we can truly be like him - a people who love as he loves and who choose to do what is good and to reject what is evil and contrary to his will (Ephesians 4:13-16).
Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D, encourages us to pray for this of loving and praying for our enemies: "Beg God for the gift to love one another. Love all people, even your enemies, not because they are your brothers and sisters but that they may become such. Love them in order that you may be at all times on fire with love, whether toward those who have become your brothers and sisters or toward your enemies, so that by being beloved they may become your brothers and sisters." (Excerpt from Sermon on 1 John 10,7)
The world tells us to stand up for our needs and seek out what gives us pleasure. The Word tells us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all else will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33). As a soldier remains constantly alert and on guard, we must be vigilant and constantly beg the Holy Spirit for the grace to love our enemies, to pray for those who do us wrong. Our Father, in his wisdom, knows that this is our only path to peace.
Let us Pray.
Lord, fill my heart with trust in your promises. When the enemy of my soul whispers and I feel hatred towards others, grant me the grace to turn to you for strength. Teach me to see others through your eyes and fill my heart with your love. Thank you for enlightening me and guiding me to seek out the abundant life you promise. Amen
Be blessed.
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