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, 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.”
The Mass Intention is for Tina Martin’s Intention
Reflection
As I sit with these lines what is my gut reaction? Is this a ‘hard saying’ for me? Can I even believe that it is possible for me? Is good for me? Talk to Jesus about what is going on in my heart now.
He, Jesus, loved till the end. I am called to be like him. Have I ever experienced the effect of actually praying for whoever has hurt me, to wish them well, wish them peace and healing?
And the opposite too; what it is like to be caught in the prison of unforgiveness? What effect does that have on me and my relationships.
Can I pray for that gift of forgiveness? Maybe the best I can muster, is pray that I might want to want this gift.
God Bless you all Deacon Martyn
