Gospel – Matthew 5: 43-48
Jesus said to his disciples ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,* what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Marie Bayliss, RIP
Reflection:
These words of Jesus can make us feel that we never measure up. To forgive an enemy is one of the most difficult things to do in life. Bitterness is understandable when we have been badly and unjustly treated.
Christian preaching can force forgiveness too readily.
All we know is that the more we can forgive, the freer we become. The example of Jesus’ love and forgiveness on the cross can help us make small steps on the way of forgiveness in our lives. Sometimes the realisation that God loves each of us can help us look on others with love or tolerance or compassion.
- How open is your heart to the challenge of today’s Gospel,
- Be perfect, just as your, heavenly Father is perfect?
