Shanborlang Mawrie csc
Readings: 1Kgs 21:17-29; Mt 5:43-48
In today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This teaching advocates treating every individual with love, respect, and kindness, regardless of differences in background, belief, or social status. As fragile human beings, we tend to form friendships with those we like, love those who reciprocate our affection, seek the company of those with whom we feel comfortable, and cherish our relationships with those close to us. While these actions may seem sufficient, today’s Gospel challenges us to strive for a higher standard of perfection in God’s eyes, which is achieved by loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us.
In the First Book of Kings, we witness God’s mercy towards King Ahab, despite his sins, when Ahab repents. This highlights divine compassion and forgiveness. Everett Worthington, in his book “Five Steps to Forgiveness,” suggests that holding onto unforgiveness only harms us, not the perpetrator, and that forgiveness sets us free.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have no place harbouring unforgiving attitudes. When Peter asked Jesus how often we should forgive, Jesus responded, “Seventy-seven times” (Mt 18:22), symbolizing the endless forgiveness we should extend. This should be our attitude as disciples of Jesus: to love, forgive, and pray for our enemies.