Today is March 15, Saturday of the First Week of Lent.
At today’s Mass, we read: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:44-45).
That we should love our enemies is one of the more famous injunctions of Jesus to his followers. Christians are expected to be people of love with a love that extends even to those who have harmed them, done them wrong or with whom they simply cannot get along.
But exactly what does this love for our enemies look like?
We do not love our enemies because they are our enemies. It is strange to love someone because they slapped us in the face or because a foreign nation invaded our country. Such a love is contrary to reason and is not required of us as Christians.
We love our enemies because they are still our neighbors. Christian charity requires that I understand that my enemies are still human beings deserving of respect. God loves my enemy and desires his salvation, even if I do not understand how this will play out.
Rooted in the love of God
We are not required to have affection for individual enemies. Many people struggle to love their individual enemies. Such a love requires forgiveness and reconciliation, which might not be possible in many situations. However, if we are at least prepared to help our enemy in his need, to pray for his salvation and hope that he fares well, we have done enough.
Love for enemies is founded in love of God. We love our enemies because we love God. We can surpass the minimal requirement and even freely love our individual enemies as our love for God grows. Love for God changes the heart and makes forgiveness and reconciliation possible.
As our love for God enflames our hearts this Lent, may this love consume our hatred for one another, turn enmity to reconciliation, and division into unity.
Let us pray,
Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father, and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary and carrying out works of charity, we may be dedicated to your worship. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
