Love Your Enemies

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Today’s gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38) gives us such simple advice, unfortunately it is very difficult to follow. Jesus tells us that it is no big deal to love those who love us. “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.” The most difficult command we have from Christ is to love our enemy or to forgive those who have wronged us. When someone say or does something mean to us our first response is probably “You @#!$” instead of, “I forgive you and I love you.” While the first response is much easier, the later is the response we should give. This response is not going to be natural and takes lots of practice. But once you learn to forgive and forget, you will find new peace in your soul. If we forgive, we eliminate the power of revenge and hatred. Revenge and hatred are in direct opposition to the mission of God. However, to forgive is the greatest expression of love – it is true grace. We must treat others, not as we think they deserve, but how Christ would treat them. This is when we should ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” He would immediately forgive the sinners and shower them with love. Our reward in heaven will be based on how we treat others. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

A Simple Prayer Lord God in Heaven, when my enemy attacks, my will is weak. Give the strength and fortitude to forgive and forget Give me the strength to be kind and merciful. May I love my enemy with all my heart.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon