Jeremiah 11:18-20, Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12, John 7:40-53
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/032010.shtml
LOVING ENEMIES
"My God, in You I take refuge." —Psalm 7:2
When Jeremiah realized people were plotting to kill him, he "prayed" to
the Lord: "Let me witness the vengeance You take on them" (Jer 12:20).
When Jesus was plotted against by His enemies and crucified, He also
prayed while hanging on the cross: "Father forgive them; they do not know
what they are doing" (Lk 23:34).
Unlike Jeremiah, Jesus did not seek His enemies' death but their
salvation. He loved His enemies so much that He died in their place and
gave them the opportunity for eternal life with Him. No one loves enemies
except Jesus and His disciples. When we love our enemies, we prove we're
Jesus' disciples and children of the heavenly Father (Mt 5:45). Jesus
loves enemies by running out to meet them, throwing His arms around them
and kissing them, giving them presents, and throwing a party in their
honor (see Lk 15:20ff).
Jesus treats His enemies better than His friends. To the world this is
absurd and impossible. Even if we wanted to do it, we couldn't. However,
the Lord will do the impossible. He will do for us and in us one of His
greatest miracles — the miracle of love for our enemies. Instead of
praying for our enemies' death or for a way to avoid being around them, we
should pray for an unconditional, merciful, forgiving, miraculous love for
them.
Prayer: Father, beginning this Lent may I love the person who has hurt me
the most.
Promise: "No man ever spoke like that before." —Jn 7:46
Praise: After attending a healing service, Ann was counseled to frequently
recite the Prayer to St. Michael, which she did with fruitful results.
(Presentation Ministries offers retreats year-round. We depend on an all
volunteer staff and teachers. Is the Lord calling you to serve Him through
PM? What you give will be given back a hundredfold when you work for the
Lord. See our website or call 937-587-5464 for more information on how you
can help with your time, talent and treasures. God bless you for your
prayers.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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