Luke 6:27-38
“Love your enemies. . . . pray for those who persecute you.” It is not easy to follow this teaching of Jesus, especially if we have been victims of grave injustice, brutal abuse, or serious crime. What makes it more difficult is when offenders are not remorseful and continue to hurt and insult us.
What does it mean to love enemies? First of all, it does not mean we are to forget easily the harm done to us or that we simply condone the evil deeds of people. Jesus himself did not allow to perpetuate the injustices done to the poor by leaders of the temple. To love enemies, according to the mind of Jesus, is to pray for the salvation of sinners. He was first to do this when at Calvary he prayed for the people who crucified him on the cross: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Just as the Lord embraces saints and sinners alike, we also are called to seek the well-being of all, including enemies.
Today, we are challenged to possess the virtues of compassion and forgiveness. We, who wish to follow the footsteps of Christ, should not allow hatred to stay in our hearts and should not wish others ill, even if those others are our enemies.
