Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 6:27-38
Today’s Gospel readings actually have two options – one for the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, and the other with today’s reflection. In sitting with both Gospels, I realized that Mary’s canticle is precisely a great reminder for the Gospel reading today.
In today’s Gospel, we are instructed to love as Christ, even those who have wronged us and those who have hurt us. To love our enemies can certainly be a tall order.
Yet, when we look at it through the lens of our faith, we are reminded that we are not only viewing the person who wronged us; rather, we are seeing the image of Christ, reflecting back at us. While their actions may not be what we desire, they are still a child of God.
Once upon a time, I was instructed to pray for someone I was struggling to forgive. As I prayed, initially grudgingly, I started to notice something seemingly odd. They weren’t changing, because not everyone does.
Rather, I was changing. My outlook was changing. My heart was softening. I became more forgiving toward that person.
Not only are we instructed to be kind to our enemies, but to also, “do good to them” (Luke 6:35).
We don’t have to allow our enemies to continuously hurt us.
Instead, we are invited to pray for them, and to do good in whatever form is needed. Whether it is “simply” praying for them, which can admittedly feel like a major endeavor at times, or whether it is going out of our way to do something kind, today’s Gospel truly encourages us to love them as a fellow child of God.
Only then will we be able to proclaim the words of Mary, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” (Luke 1:46).
Ponder:
Have you prayed or done good for someone who has previously hurt you?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of Your love. Help me to pray for [insert name] and help me to heal from the wounds as I seek to love as You love me.
Copyright 2024 AnnAliese Harry
About the Author
AnnAliese Harry
AnnAliese Harry is a proud Army wife to her husband Chris, and a mother to their young children. She has a BA in History, a Masters in Social Work, and has worked with disabled veterans, troubled teens, and in early childhood intervention therapy. AnnAliese volunteers with several military chapel communities and serves as a lector, EMHC, Adoration coordinator, and Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) chapter president and vice president. She blogs about Catholicism, parenting, and military life at A Beautiful, Camouflaged Mess of A Life. Follow her on Twitter, on Instagram, or on Facebook.
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