READINGS AT MASS TODAY
Lev. 19:1-2,17-18
Psalm 103
1 Cor. 3:16-23
Mt. 5:38-48
Theme: LOVING THE ENEMY
Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...
Revenge, the desire to exact punishment on those who hurt us according to their act, is very natural. It is equally natural to hate our enemies and wish evil for them according to the evils they have meted to us. We naturally yearn for the opportunity to strike them back.
In today's Gospel, Jesus, however, made a demand that will go down in history as one of the most difficult and unpopular demands of the Christian life. A demand that goes against everything human and natural. To His disciples and those who were listening to Him He said, " _love your enemies, do good to those who hate you_ ..."
The demand to love one's enemy is simply out of this world. But that is what the divine master requires of His followers. Jesus desires that His followers cure evil and enmity with love. We are to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. For Jesus Christ, love and not revenge is the best weapon against destructive hatred.
How can I love someone who is bent on destroying me? How do I love someone who has no love but hatred for me.
This command appears impossible to obey because we have woefully forgotten or ignored the second part of the command: "...and pray for those who persecute you." Dear friends in Christ, the first step to loving one's enemies is to say a prayer for them and prophecy blessing upon their lives (Lk. 23:34, Acts 7:60). This is the secret key to Jesus' challenging demand.
No one can love the enemy he does not pray!
PRAYER
Almighty God and father, today I want to pray for (N) who has hurt me so much. Please bless him and give me the strength to love him. Amen!
May God bless you.
-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre
Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.
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