Love for Enemies

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the characteristics of the followers of the Way that radiate radical love and inclusion.

Life Love and Inclusion

The Reading from the First Book of Kings is Prophetic Condemnation of the Action of the King.

* [21:20–26] In these verses the narrator uses against the third Israelite dynasty the same condemnation formula that was uttered against the first two dynasties, those of Jeroboam (14:9–11) and Baasha (16:2–4). Part of the formula is put in Elijah’s mouth, in an oracle against Ahab and his descendants (vv. 21–22), and part of it in an aside to the reader that extends the condemnation to Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, and his whole household (vv. 23–24). The oracle against Jezebel will be fulfilled in 2 Kgs 9:36; the obliteration of the dynasty will be recounted in the bloody stories of 2 Kgs 9–11. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 51 prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought.

* [Psalm 51] A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms, prays for the removal of the personal and social disorders that sin has brought. The poem has two parts of approximately equal length: Ps 51:3–10 and Ps 51:11–19, and a conclusion in Ps 51:20–21. The two parts interlock by repetition of “blot out” in the first verse of each section (Ps 51:3, 11), of “wash (away)” just after the first verse of each section (Ps 51:4) and just before the last verse (Ps 51:9) of the first section, and of “heart,” “God,” and “spirit” in Ps 51:12, 19. The first part (Ps 51:3–10) asks deliverance from sin, not just a past act but its emotional, physical, and social consequences. The second part (Ps 51:11–19) seeks something more profound than wiping the slate clean: nearness to God, living by the spirit of God (Ps 51:12–13), like the relation between God and people described in Jer 31:33–34. Nearness to God brings joy and the authority to teach sinners (Ps 51:15–16). Such proclamation is better than offering sacrifice (Ps 51:17–19). The last two verses express the hope that God’s good will toward those who are cleansed and contrite will prompt him to look favorably on the acts of worship offered in the Jerusalem Temple (Ps 51:19 [20–21]). (Psalms, CHAPTER 51 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asserts that we practice Love of Enemies.

* [5:43–48] See Lv 19:18. There is no Old Testament commandment demanding hatred of one’s enemy, but the “neighbor” of the love commandment was understood as one’s fellow countryman. Both in the Old Testament (Ps 139:19–22) and at Qumran (1QS 9:21) hatred of evil persons is assumed to be right. Jesus extends the love commandment to the enemy and the persecutor. His disciples, as children of God, must imitate the example of their Father, who grants his gifts of sun and rain to both the good and the bad.

* [5:46] Tax collectors: Jews who were engaged in the collection of indirect taxes such as tolls and customs. See note on Mk 2:14.

* [5:47] Jesus’ disciples must not be content with merely usual standards of conduct; see Mt 5:20 where the verb “surpass” (Greek perisseuō) is cognate with the unusual (perisson) of this verse.

* [5:48] Perfect: in the gospels this word occurs only in Matthew, here and in Mt 19:21. The Lucan parallel (Lk 6:36) demands that the disciples be merciful. (Matthew, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard comments this is a strong directive. Further on in Matthew’s gospel we hear Jesus say,  “…love your neighbor as you love yourself”…(Matthew 22:37-40). 

Demanding words, especially in today’s world where there is daily bombing, violence, ongoing judgement, hunger, starvation, belittling and little apparent evidence of universal love of neighbor and prayer for enemy.  Hate may seem more productive, seem easier, as it is often more visible. Praying for one’s enemies is challenging. Often invisible.

In addition to the difficult directive to love one’s neighbors and pray for one’s enemies, there is an invitation.  Jesus invites us into familial relationship with his father.  This is the way children of the heavenly father behave. Love and pray for one’s neighbors and enemies. “…that you may be children of your heavenly Father…” who treats “…the bad and the good…and the just and the unjust…” equally.  We hear of this incredible relationship between Father and Son.  Amazingly, we are invited to share as “children” in this relationship.

Sitting with this image, in the imaginative prayer experience of being a child of the Father and sister of the Son, I prayerfully experience myself as a lover and pray-er no longer a judge. I feel the Father saying, “Joan, in my house, we do not hate. In my house all are equally loved.” (Blandin Howard, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Pray for those who persecute you,” by John Chrysostom, 347-407 A.D.

"For neither did Christ simply command to love but to pray. Do you see how many steps he has ascended and how he has set us on the very summit of virtue? Mark it, numbering from the beginning. A first step is not to begin with injustice. A second, after one has begun, is not to vindicate oneself by retaliating in kind. A third, to refuse to respond in kind to the one who is injuring us but to remain tranquil. A fourth, even to offer up one's self to suffer wrongfully. A fifth, to give up even more than the wrongdoer wishes to take. A sixth, to refuse to hate one who has wronged us. A seventh, even to love such a one. An eighth, even to do good to that one. A ninth, to entreat God himself on our enemy's behalf. Do you perceive how elevated is a Christian disposition? Hence its reward is also glorious. (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 18.4) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 5:43-48 comments that before we could do anything to please you, you loved us. Even though you knew that we would turn to our own ways and separate ourselves from you, you did not turn your heart away from us.

“Jesus has called me to be perfect as you are perfect, heavenly Father. If he asks this of me, I believe you will equip me. And so I ask that you fill me with your love and mercy and faithfulness. Let your life within me change my heart so that it resembles yours. Lord, perfect me in your perfection!

“Father, you are perfect in all of your ways, and you are my example of perfection. Make me like you so that I can follow in your perfect footsteps.” (Meditation on Matthew 5:43-48, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments in 1 Kings we learn of Jezebel’s plot and now Elijah must confront King Ahab. The punishment will be terrible and the dogs will take retribution on the deceased body of Ahab. There was not a stable dynasty in Israel at this time and when a prophet proclaimed disaster a King might be overthrown. In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus extends the Law to extend love to everybody. We usually find it easy to express love to those from whom we expect a return. Jesus says we especially need to treat those who do not treat us well with love as we show them total generosity. Friar Jude recounts the explanation of “Perfect Joy” described by Francis of Assisi that recognized when we still love others when we have received disrespect from them. Francis is also thrilled that the brokenness of the brother can be shared by Francis taking some of his brother’s hurt and woundedness upon himself.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces religious scholar Huston Smith who describes how the first Christians spread the gospel message through their happiness, beyond any particular words they shared. Smith highlights two remarkable qualities witnessed in the first Christians:

One of the earliest observations by an outsider about Christians that we have is, “See how these Christians love one another.” Integral to this mutual regard was a total absence of social barriers; it was a discipleship of equals. Here were men and women who not only said that everyone was equal in the sight of God but who lived as though they meant it.

Outsiders found this baffling. These scattered Christians were not numerous. They were not wealthy or powerful, and they were in constant danger of being killed. Yet they had laid hold of an inner peace that found expression in a joy that was uncontainable. Perhaps “radiant” would be a better word. “Radiance” is hardly the word used to characterize the average religious life, but no other word fits as well the life of these early Christians.(Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to guide our presentation of Christ in the world by the phrase “they will know we are Christians by our Love”.

References

Blandin Howard, J. (2026, June 16). Daily Reflection June 16, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-16-2026 

Matthew, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?43 

Meditation on Matthew 5:43-48. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/15/1592497/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/21?17 

Psalms, CHAPTER 51 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Living Out the Good News. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/living-out-the-good-news/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Love Your Enemies and Pray for Them. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

 

Spiritual Life of the Last

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live with holiness and mutual love when it is often the last practice when blinded by the prosperity myth.

As the Last will be First

The Reading from the First Letter of Peter proclaims the call of God’s people to holiness and to mutual love.

* [1:10–12] The Spirit of Christ (1 Pt 1:11) is here shown to have been present in the prophets, moving them to search, investigate, and prophesy about the grace of salvation that was to come (1 Pt 1:10), and in the apostles impelling them to preach the fulfillment of salvation in the message of Christ’s sufferings and glory (1 Pt 1:12).

* [1:13–25] These verses are concerned with the call of God’s people to holiness and to mutual love by reason of their redemption through the blood of Christ (1 Pt 1:18–21).

* [1:13] Gird up the loins of your mind: a figure reminiscent of the rite of Passover when the Israelites were in flight from their oppressors (Ex 12:11), and also suggesting the vigilance of the Christian people in expectation of the parousia of Christ (Lk 12:35).

* [1:14–16] The ignorance here referred to (1 Pt 1:14) was their former lack of knowledge of God, leading inevitably to godless conduct. Holiness (1 Pt 1:15–16), on the contrary, is the result of their call to the knowledge and love of God. (1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 98 extolls God for Israel’s victory

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus presents the priorities of the “first”.

Mark 10.31 But many that are first will be last, and [the] last will be first.”  (Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. George Meze, SJ, reflects on the words of Jesus: “There is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more.”

Does not spiritual freedom come by surrendering our need to control our situations? Perhaps a good example is the act of forgiveness. There are people who suffer not because they have done wrong, but because they have been wronged, and they find it extremely difficult to forgive. In most cases, while it is easy to be forgiven, forgiving others is rather difficult. However, the grace to forgive brings great peace and frees us from bitterness. Peace is a hundredfold better than the false sweetness of revenge.

The reality of following Christ is always filled with abundance, even in seemingly hopeless situations. There is always more to receive in our giving: A hundredfold profit by investing ourselves in Christ. (Meze, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:28-31 notes the reaction to Jesus’ words about how hard it can be for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.  Peter told Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you” (Mark 10:28). You can hear him asking himself, “What’s the use? We’re just poor fishermen; will we receive anything in return for following Jesus?”

Jesus’ response is as clear as it is amazing: they will receive “a hundred times more” in this life (Mark 10:30). God will bless them all overabundantly for everything they have given up.

If you make these offerings, big or small, Jesus will take them and use them to build his Church. You can’t multiply them by yourself, but he can. As you unite your acts of generosity and selflessness with the Lord, they will reach much further than they ever could without him. They will change hearts, heal wounds, and restore dignity. You may not always see the results, but you can trust that Jesus is ready to do great things through you!

“Lord, I offer all my actions, words, and thoughts to you today. Help me to do your will!” (Meditation on Mark 10:28-31, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the reading from 1 Peter speaks of the prophets who had foretold Jesus was part of God’s plan. The people now too should live a life of obedience seeking to be “Holy as God is Holy”  We are consecrated to the things of God. The reward concerns Peter, and Friar Jude cautions about adopting a Gospel of Prosperity as this is not what Jesus means. Friar Jude proclaims they will be living proudly as joyful people who celebrate everything like Francis of Assisi. We will live profoundly in our joys and sorrows by living with Jesus.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Feminist theologian Rebecca Button Pritchard who describes how the Spirit accompanies our embodiment. Recognizing how the Spirit lives, moves, and breathes in our bodies allows us to live a wholehearted, courageous faith:

True spirituality, embodied spirituality, may be described as wholeheartedness, as the integration of body and spirit, of nephesh and basar, of heart and soul. It is with this wholeheartedness that we hear and follow God’s voice; it is wholeheartedly that we find the words to cry out to God, to sing praise, to speak a prophetic word, a comforting word, to tell our stories, and to make sense of all our relationships. 

Wholehearted spirituality in the freedom of the Spirit gives us courage, courage to bear witness to God’s grace against all odds, courage to speak despite efforts to silence us, courage to act authentically and in ways that encourage and empower the weak and the vulnerable. The Spirit gives us the wisdom to discern truthful moments, to bring both suspicion and trust to the interpretation of both past and present. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the insight of the Spirit as we apply Jesus' proclamation of reversal of fortune in our action to support the lives of the “last” in our societal priorities.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?28 

Meditation on Mark 10:28-31. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/26/1578480/ 

Meze, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-26-2026 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/1?10 

Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 26, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-spirit-given-voice/ 

Believe the Bread of Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder how God is continuing to unfold salvation history in and through simple encounters – every day.

Daily Bread of Life

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Philip teaches the Ethiopian about Christ. 

* [8:26–40] In the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Luke adduces additional evidence to show that the spread of Christianity outside the confines of Judaism itself was in accord with the plan of God. He does not make clear whether the Ethiopian was originally a convert to Judaism or, as is more probable, a “God-fearer” (Acts 10:1), i.e., one who accepted Jewish monotheism and ethic and attended the synagogue but did not consider himself bound by other regulations such as circumcision and observance of the dietary laws. The story of his conversion to Christianity is given a strong supernatural cast by the introduction of an angel (Acts 8:26), instruction from the holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), and the strange removal of Philip from the scene (8:39).

* [8:27] The Candace: Candace is not a proper name here but the title of a Nubian queen.

* [8:30–34] Philip is brought alongside the carriage at the very moment when the Ethiopian is pondering the meaning of Is 53:7–8, a passage that Christianity, from its earliest origins, has applied to Jesus; cf. note on Acts 3:13.

* [8:37] The oldest and best manuscripts of Acts omit this verse, which is a Western text reading: “And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he said in reply, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 66 offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John continues Jesus' “Bread of Life Discourse”.

* [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51.

* [6:43] Murmuring: the word may reflect the Greek of Ex 16:2, 7–8. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky comments that their stories intersect because both say “yes” to God’s invitation. The outcome of their brief encounter is the first step toward the founding of the Ethiopian Christian Church that continues to exist today.

Neither Philip nor the eunuch knew the outcome of their work. It is only with the benefit of hindsight that I can see how important these individuals are within God’s story. There are two invitations I hear. First, take the time to notice how God is continuing to unfold salvation history in and through simple encounters – every day. The second is to recognize that I have a role to play in God’s plan. All that is required is to listen and to say “yes” when God initiates. (Janky, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Studying the Scriptures with humility”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"My ambition as a youth was to apply to the study of the Holy Scriptures all the refinement of dialectics. I did so, but without the humility of the true searcher. I was supposed to knock at the door so that it would open for me. Instead I was pushing it closed, trying to understand in pride what is only learned in humility. However, the all-merciful Lord lifted me up and kept me safe." (excerpt from Sermon 51,6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 8:26-40 comments that these stories may seem extreme. But God loves to guide us as we strive to bring him to the world.

The Lord might guide you to do something “big” like Arlene or Philip. But every day, he will surely show you more ordinary opportunities to follow his lead and share his good news. So open your heart and listen for his promptings today.

“Jesus, help me to follow your lead today.” (Meditation on Acts 8:26-40, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that we hear Philip is sent to the Gaza road and has a unique encounter with a ‘God fearer” who sympathizes with Jewish ways. The eunuch is reading from Deutero-Isaiah and the song of the suffering servant. Philip describes Jesus as the one being talked about. In Trito-Isaiah eunuchs are also fruitful in the land beyond the Jewish boundaries. John 6 proclaims Jesus as the Bread of Life. He is the bread. Accept Him and they will learn what the Father has intended. Emphasis initially is on teaching and learning presenting Jesus as Wisdom Incarnate in a connection to the Hebrew Testament. In the last verse, Jesus is proclaimed as flesh or “sarx” for the life of the world. In John, “sarx” is mostly positive. “The word became flesh”; Jesus is saying the Incarnation is continued in the Sacrament. Friar Jude notes, in John, we are marrying our God in matrimonial imagery.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, draws on the wisdom of Scripture and tradition, and urges respect and recognition of God’s presence in the natural world. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), a Doctor of the Church, explained this theologically. Francis of Assisi knew it experientially.

How could humans think we were the only or even the main event? Not only did we think that Earth was the center of the universe; we were certain our human species was the only one that God really cared about. All of creation was just a stage set for the human drama. Normally that is called narcissism. We extracted the soul from everything else. Nature was simply here for our utilitarian purpose, to be used for our consumption. With this belief system, we entered into a state of profound alienation from our own surroundings. We no longer belonged to this world because there was nothing worth belonging to. It was no longer naturally sacred, deserving our reverence or respect. We could rape, plunder, and misuse the earth. We could torture animals and destroy ecosystems because we thought they had no inherent value. We acted as though we were fully in charge.

Every day we have opportunities to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature, whether an ordinary sunrise, a starling on a power line, a tree in a park, or a cloud in the sky. This spirituality doesn’t depend on education or belief. It almost entirely depends on our capacity for simple presence. Often those without formal education and “unbelievers” do this better than many educated, religious people. I have met many like this who put me to shame. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invite the Spirit to enlighten the experiences that highlight the Presence of Christ in our lives as bread for our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?26 

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton On Line Ministries. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-23-2026 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?44 

Meditation on Acts 8:26-40. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/23/1548784/ 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/recognizing-gods-grace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Anyone Eats of This Bread, He Will Live for Ever. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/