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/ 

 

Indifferent to Life Connection

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to fight against indifference towards our relationship with God in which we are energized to full life and we rest from the tensions in the world around us.

Energy and rest for our life

 

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the rest that God promised.

* [3:7–4:13] The author appeals for steadfastness of faith in Jesus, basing his warning on the experience of Israel during the Exodus… In Heb 4:1–11, the symbol of rest is seen in deeper dimension: because the promise to the ancient Hebrews foreshadowed that given to Christians, it is good news; and because the promised land was the place of rest that God provided for his people, it was a share in his own rest, which he enjoyed after he had finished his creative work (Heb 3:3–4; cf. Gn 2:2). The author attempts to read this meaning of God’s rest into Ps 95:7–11 (Heb 3:6–9). The Greek form of the name of Joshua, who led Israel into the promised land, is Jesus (Heb 3:8). The author plays upon the name but stresses the superiority of Jesus, who leads his followers into heavenly rest.1 

Psalm 78 contrasts God’s goodness and Israel’s ingratitude.

* [Psalm 78] A recital of history to show that past generations did not respond to God’s gracious deeds and were punished by God making the gift into a punishment. Will Israel fail to appreciate God’s act—the choosing of Zion and of David? The tripartite introduction invites Israel to learn the lessons hidden in its traditions (Ps 78:1–4, 5–7, 8–11); 2

 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a paralytic lowered through the roof to Him.

* [2:5] It was the faith of the paralytic and those who carried him that moved Jesus to heal the sick man. Accounts of other miracles of Jesus reveal more and more his emphasis on faith as the requisite for exercising his healing powers (Mk 5:34; 9:23–24; 10:52).3

 

David Crawford comments that Jesus, in a few short sentences, touches on multiple points.  He recognizes the caring efforts of the ones who opened up a roof to lower a man so he could be healed.  He looks at the paralyzed man and sees not just what everyone else sees – a person in need of physical restoration – but also the deeper need for forgiveness.  He understands the doubts and limitations of people who want to know God better but keep getting in their own way.

So, as I imagine myself as one of the carriers, I notice that I should be willing to love my neighbors by helping those in need; and my willingness must be persistent and filled with hope.  As the injured soul, I should be willing to accept help, and I absolutely must be immediately obedient to Christ’s commands.  The scribe in me has to be aware of – and must resist – a wrongheaded tendency to make myself the arbiter of what God can or cannot do.  Ultimately, I must be ready to offer love and forgiveness as Jesus would have me do.4 

  Don Schwager quotes “Reverse your relation with sickness,” by Peter Chrysologus (400-450 AD).

"Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you." (excerpt from HOMILY 50.6)5

 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 comments that it’s true that we imitate our Creator when we do our own work well and with a good conscience. But God also wants us to imitate him by taking time to rest on the Sabbath as he did. Taking a regular break from work can remind us that God has more in store for us than even our best efforts can produce.

For many of us, Sunday has become a shopping day, a sports day, or a yardwork day. For some it has become a necessary work day. None of this is wrong in and of itself. For someone stuck in an office all week, a day out in the sun can be very refreshing. And God wouldn’t expect us to give up work on Sundays if we have no other option. What he does want is for us to carve out some time to rest with him, whether at Mass, with a little more time in prayer and Scripture, or by enjoying the company of loved ones.6 

Friar Jude Winkler points out the words used in Hebrews connect with the land of milk and honey, Sabbath rest, and eternal rest. Today, we might answer Jesus' question about the easier path differently. Friar Jude reminds us that Jesus' physical miracle follows the spiritual miracle of healing a broken heart.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, considers what Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone call “Active Hope” and what Beatrice Bruteau, the contemplative Christian scholar, calls “radical optimism.” These ideas are keys to the flourishing of a new story. This new story honors the Good Story of our good God and the goodness of all creation, but also gives us the faith and courage to face the difficult realities that are being unveiled in our times.

The deepest truth is our union with the Absolute, Infinite Being, with God. That’s the root of our reality. And it is from that root that my optimism is derived. . . . I believe this radical optimism is the good news of the gospel and I propose that we take it seriously. . . . Optimism, like pessimism, tends to be a self-justifying outlook. The more pessimistic you are, the more you are likely to fail and thus justify your pessimism. And similarly, the more optimistic you are, the more apt you are to succeed and justify your optimism. However, my optimism is not merely pragmatic. I also believe that it is ultimately, metaphysically, true because of its being radical optimism, coming from the root of our being, securely held in the Absolute Being. [3]7 

Indifference had been flagged by Pope Francis as a very troubling aspect of modern society. Action in the Spirit and rest in God are signs that indifference is being treated by the Great Physician.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Hebrews, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/3
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 78 | USCCB. Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/78
3	(n.d.). Mark, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/2
4	(n.d.). Daily Reflections - Online Ministries .... Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/011521.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=jan15
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/01/15/180566/
7	(n.d.). Telling a New Story — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 15, 2021, from https://cac.org/telling-a-new-story-2021-01-15/