It is easy to love those whom we are close to. Loving them comes naturally. But to love those we cannot get along with or whom we regard as our enemies demands something greater - it is something we have to will ourselves into doing. Yet this is precisely what Jesus commands us to do today. In fact we are even asked to pray for them.

Jesus challenges us to love all men and women, the just and unjust alike with a love that seeks nothing in return. Indeed this kind of disinterested love is required of every Christian because this is exactly how God Himself loves. For to love in this way is to be like God, for He is good to those who love Him and even to those who do not.

This sincere, single-hearted love of God and man is what Matthew calls perfection. One is perfect when one realizes the purpose for which one was created and sent into the world. And a Christian is perfect when he or she becomes a godlike person. Indeed, we realize our Christian calling when we learn to forgive as God forgives and to love as God loves. Then truly we will become sons and daughters of the Father.