Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “At that time Jesus saith to His disciples: You have heard that it hath been said: Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thy enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you: That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh his sun to rise upon the good, and bad, and raineth upon the just and the unjust. For if you love them that love you, what reward shall you have? do not even the publicans this? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more? do not also the heathens this? Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Saint Matthew 5:43-48.)
Meditatio
Reflect on the passage, considering what it says about Christ and how it speaks to your own spiritual life.
- Love your enemies: Reflect on the call to love your enemies. Consider how this challenges any inclinations you might have to harbour resentment or seek revenge.
- Doing good to those who hate you: Reflect on the command to do good to those who hate you. Consider practical ways you can extend kindness and love to those who have wronged you.
- Praying for persecutors: Reflect on the importance of praying for those who persecute you. Consider the power of prayer in changing hearts, including your own.
- Imitating the Father: Reflect on the call to be children of your Father in heaven by loving impartially, as He does. Consider how God’s love extends to all, regardless of their actions.
- Call to perfection: Reflect on the call to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Consider the lifelong journey of striving towards holiness and how you can take steps towards this ideal.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with prayer, seeking to connect with God through today’s passage.
Lord Jesus, Thy call to love my enemies challenges me deeply. Help me to understand and embrace this teaching, even when it is difficult. Grant me the grace to do good to those who hate me and to pray sincerely for those who persecute me. May my actions reflect Thy boundless love and mercy. Strengthen my resolve to strive for the perfection Thou asketh of me, growing ever closer to Thee and imitating the love of our heavenly Father. Amen.
Contemplatio
Spend some time in silent contemplation, resting in God’s presence and allowing the truths of the passage to sink deeply into your heart.
Imagine Jesus speaking these words directly to you, inviting you to follow His example of genuine love and mercy. Feel His encouragement and support as you contemplate the challenges and rewards of loving your enemies. Rest in the assurance of His grace, which empowers you to live out this call to perfection.
Actio
Consider how you can apply the insights gained from this passage to your daily life.
- Practice radical love: Identify specific people you find challenging to love and make a conscious effort to show them kindness and compassion.
- Engage in acts of goodness: Find practical ways to do good to those who have wronged you, turning moments of hurt into opportunities for grace.
- Pray for your persecutors: Regularly include those who have persecuted or hurt you in your prayers, asking God to bless and transform them.
- Imitate God’s impartial love: Strive to extend your love and kindness to all people, regardless of their behaviour towards you, reflecting God’s unconditional love.
- Pursue holiness: Set personal spiritual goals that help you move towards the perfection Jesus calls for, such as regular prayer, acts of charity, and deepening your understanding of the faith.
