Today’s Gospel might be one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. Love your enemies?
Bless those who curse you? Pray for those who mistreat you? It seems impossible – and perhaps that’s the point. This kind of love isn’t possible through human effort alone; it requires divine grace.
Jesus isn’t suggesting we become doormats or that we ignore injustice. Rather, He’s calling us to break the cycle of retaliation that keeps our world spinning in violence and hatred. When we respond to hatred with love, to cursing with blessing, we participate in God’s transformation of the world.
In our own community, we might not face outright enemies, but we encounter difficult people and situations. Perhaps it’s a challenging colleague, a hostile neighbor, or family tensions. Jesus calls us to respond not in kind, but with radical love.
This week, identify one person who challenges you. How might you actively work for their good? Remember, loving our enemies doesn’t mean approving of their actions—it means choosing to view them as God does: as people worthy of love and capable of change.
