LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

PRAYER MOMENT

Tuesday 16 June 2015

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “You have learnt how it was said: you must love your neighbour and hate your enemey. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Mallhew 5:43-48)

Reflection. It is deep in our consciousness that we are more at home with our own people than with strangers. Margaret Thatcher’s question about new arrivals on the political scene –“Is he one of us?” – expresses this succinctly. The gospel challenges this “normal behaviour”. It calls us to go beyond comfortable realtionships and be open to people who are different. They may be migrants from another country, ahherents of another faith or disbled people unable to communicate with words. There are many who are “enemies” besides the normal meaning of the word. Jesus calls us to make the jump, to go beyond our natural inclinations and to reach out to others who are different. At first this will be difficult. But quickly it will bring joy as we discover a new world beyond the little one we have created for ourselves. 

Prayer. Lord, you call us to “deny ourselves” meaning to go beyond what is familiar and comforting. Give us your Holy Spirit to reach out to others who are different. Amen.

davidharoldbarry@hotmail.com