By Anthoni Reddy, CSC –
Readings: Deut 26: 16-19; Mt 5: 43-48
Today’s gospel will strike at the root of enmity: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” Today’s gospel is inviting us to make friends always and avoid having enemies.
As Christians, we have a very special calling from the Lord; we are called by name to love every person we meet. Who can say that it is easy to love our enemies and how can we love those who hurt us or make our life miserable? With those hurt feelings, we are strengthened and molded in order to become better persons.
Today, Jesus is telling us that we are to love everyone, not only the people who love us. There is something in all of us that drives us towards perfection. Love enables us to focus on better things in life. Therefore, we still have the ability to love others, even the people who may not like us. We are invited to make a choice like Jesus who loves each and everyone unconditionally.