“If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”

"There is no place for selfishness—and no place for fear! Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice"--Pope John Paul II

(Gospel text: MT 5:43-48)

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Wow! That’s a tall order, don’t you think? But don’t worry. Jesus isn’t expecting you to do this on your own. He knows that loving everyone as God does—especially loving people who disagree with you—is beyond any of us. He knows that our best hope comes as we spend time in his presence, giving him permission to fill our hearts with his own mercy, compassion, patience, and love.

Here’s something you may not think of right away: if you want to love your enemies, then pray for yourself. Not for things like debt relief or a winning lottery ticket. Rather, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and patience; kindness and gentleness; power and self-control—and, oh yes, for more of God’s love.

We all need the Spirit’s help to respond as the Father does. Make time for him, and ask him to teach you about the situations and circumstances you face. Your challenges are unique to who you are. They are not your spouse’s, your parents’, your neighbor’s, or anyone else’s. And God has specific answers just for you.

After you have prayed for yourself, go ahead and pray for your enemies. It’s always a good idea to come in touch with God’s love for you before you try to spread that love to someone else! You may find yourself interceding with greater kindness, understanding, or patience. You may sense God moving you to some act of kindness toward that person. You may feel him giving you a greater compassion for that person. God is infinitely creative, so be ready for him to move you in unexpected directions!

Jesus did not deliver an impossible command. Rather, he delivered a command designed to help you grow in his likeness. Right now, he is ready to give you whatever you need to love your “enemies.” Will you always get it right? No. But you will grow in his love and perfection as you try, and try, and try again.