The Most Holy Name of Mary (Optional Memorial)

Love your enemies.

These three words are some of the most challenging in the whole New Testament! And they are made even more challenging as Jesus goes on to explain how to love our enemies. We are not only to resist hating people who hurt us, but to love them in active, concrete ways. We are to “do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28).

This command can seem impossible and even unfair. Why should we do good or pray a blessing for people who have harmed us or wish to harm us now? Because this is how God has loved us. And when we do likewise, we “will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked” (Luke 6:35).

Jesus himself set the standard as he loved the people who wanted to put him to death. He could have hidden away safely with his disciples, but instead he went to the Temple to share his Father’s love with those who were plotting against him (Luke 20:1; 21:37-38). He even prayed for and forgave the people who crucified him (23:34). This is how Jesus loved his enemies; this is how he loved us.

As St. Catherine of Siena ministered to the sick, she sensed God urging her to love in this same way. On more than one occasion, some of the women she cared for grew angry and hostile toward her. Despite their hurtful words, Catherine continued to nurse their wounds and cared for them without complaining or defending herself. One woman, Palmerina, was so touched by Catherine’s love that it is said that she repented on her deathbed as Catherine prayed with her.

So how can you love your enemies? When you show kindness to a family member who complains. When you ask God to bless a person who has slandered you. When you ask God to heal someone who is sick, even though they have mistreated you. Every time you do these things, you’re loving the way Jesus loved. Even more, you’re becoming a channel of God’s grace that heals the poison of bitterness.

It isn’t easy, but it is possible. Jesus has poured his love into our hearts, and his love never fails.

“Jesus, fill me with your love so that I can love my enemies.”

1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13
Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24
Luke 6:27-38