|
What might we say is the most radical message of Jesus? May it not be: love your enemies, be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect? How can we ever love our enemies? How can we ever hope to be perfect? Some reflection on today's readings might give us the beginnings of an answer: forgive your enemies.
In the first reading we see Ahab, a king who had committed an abominable crime in murdering an innocent vinegrower. Yet he repented, and God forgave him. In God's forgiving Ahab, we see a glimmer of the perfection of our heavenly Father.
In the Responsorial Psalm we hear the plea of a sinner for God's mercy, "I acknowledge my offense" - yes, we are all sinners. We need the forgiveness of God, and the forgiveness of our brothers and sisters. We need forgiveness even from our enemies. In a parallel passage found in Luke 6:27-38 we read, "grant pardon and you will be pardoned". To be perfect is to forgive even enemies.
Lord, give me the grace to forgive others who have offended me, even my enemies, because You forgive us all. Then I will have made a start at least in trying to be perfect as You, my heavenly Father.
|
|
DAILY OFFERING
|
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
|
|
PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
|
INTENTION
That Christian families may lovingly welcome every child who comes into existence and surround the sick and the aged, who need care and assistance, with affection.
Elaboration
|
|
