Saint Bernardino Realino by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

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Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5, 44)

Gospel Pearls 12_03_2022

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ (Matthew 5, 43-48)

Each of us is offered Jesus' forgiveness and mercy, even when our sins make us His enemies. For this reason, we too must forgive our enemies first. By praying for them we hope that they will be converted in time to save their souls. If this is what Jesus does for  you, why shouldn't you also do it for others?