Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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."

 

Have you ever felt that overwhelming need for love? You just wanted to be hugged? Nothing says love and comfort like a good hug. When I was a little boy, I loved to crawl into my mom or dad’s lap to get a hug.  It was a place of safety and comfort. Now my dad may have squeezed a little too hard at times, but that didn’t matter – it felt good. Nothing symbolizes the true joy of love then a mother hugging her little child. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be hugged by God, to crawl up in his lap and just sit there while he comforted you and loved you? Well the good news is that God’s arms are always open and always waiting for us to make the move. We can crawl into his lap any time we want. Close your eyes and let all the cares of the world leave your mind. Imagine you are sitting with Christ in all his glory, His robes brighter than the midday sun, His grace flowing from him like the rays of light. Crawl into His lap and let His arms wrap around you. Say a prayer with Christ as He comforts you. 

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus commands us to love everyone; no exclusions allowed. To love not only our brothers and sisters, but our enemies. Those people we do not like; those people with whom we have unpleasant discourse. Jesus commands us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father …” Yes, we are commanded to love our enemies.  Such a simple request, yet such a difficult task to complete. Imagine that you are now in God’s lap, you are warm and comfortable, the joy of the Lord has made you at peace. Now invite your enemies to join you, invite those people who persecute you to sit with you in the Glory of God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Father God, you gave us Mary as the purist example of love. 

May I live my life as she lived hers.

Open my heart so that the love of Mary can flow out into the world.

 

Pray to the Blessed Mother that she may intercede in your life.  It is Mary’s motherness that brings compassion to us. Mary is our Holy mother who looks over us. Say a Hail Mary for peace in the world. Let us seek the light of God’s glory, let us give praise to his name.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon

 

PS Give someone a hug today.