The Gospel this week is one I have always found most challenging to fully comprehend what Jesus is trying to teach us and how to put it into practice. I know Jesus gives us examples of what loving our enemies can look like, but it seems so far removed from what my daily life is like. One of the best explanations I have heard so far comes from Bishop Barron. He describes Jesus’ strategy of nonviolence and love of enemy as “willing the good of the other.” Now, this is something I can wrap my head around. A couple of practical examples in my own life may be for the estranged family members; I can, at a minimum, pray for their happiness, or those who post callous comments online, I can choose not to retaliate and instead respond with kindness. “For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same.” Jesus is challenging us to go beyond what is easy. We are not just to tolerate our enemies or even accept them, but it is about loving them. Next time we are confronted with an “enemy,” ask ourselves, how can I “will the good of the other?”
Cheryl Hentz
- Youth & Young Adult Minister