Matthew 5: 43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Guided Along Our Lenten Journeys
As often happens in schools, I was interrupted while I was reflecting on this reading. The bell to change classes rang, and I remembered I should be on my way to a meeting. Soon I was talking to a colleague about the importance of routines in and out of the classroom, and he quoted the book Atomic Habits, saying, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
I thought to myself, isn’t that what Jesus is saying? He calls us to love our neighbors and our enemies in concrete ways to become closer to perfect. We see the same call to make daily choices in today’s first reading, as Moses proclaims the importance of the Law (Dt 26:16-19).
I walked back into my shared office, and another colleague was having a frustrating experience with technology. She said to herself, “Okay, trying again! I can do hard things!”
I thought to myself again, isn’t that what Jesus is saying? He calls us to choose the difficult path, not only loving our neighbors but loving our enemies, too. As we continue our Lenten journey together, we know God is with us, guiding us in our daily practices to change our hearts.
—Beth Franzosa is the Director for Mission Formation at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Prayer
Lord, guide my thoughts today that they may be oriented toward you.
Lord, guide my words today that I may speak your truth.
Lord, guide my actions today that I may serve you by serving my neighbor.
Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team
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