First Reading: Deut 26:16-19; Psalm: 119. R. v. 1b; Gospel: Mt 5:43-48

SOME LITTLE LOVE IS ENOUGH

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44).

One possible immediate reaction to any command that we judge impossible to do is rejection. Outright rejection or the refusal to do what we feel is impossible closes any chance of trying at all. For we can only attempt to do something by first of all accepting it. Now, if we felt that the command of Jesus that we should love our enemies is something we cannot do; there is still something we can at least do to respect the spirit of this command.

If we felt we cannot love our enemy; we can at least avoid saying hurtful words to them. If forgiving our enemy is something that is too hard for us do; we can at least see them as human beings and not perceive them with disgust and contempt. If praying for our enemy is something we cannot do; we can at least not wish them evil or harm in our hearts. So, there is always some lesser love we can show when the greater love seems impossible. If we could show some lesser love; it is a step towards perfection.  

A little boy was asked, “If you were Jesus hanging on the cross and dying in pain; would you pray to God to forgive your murderers?” The boy paused for a while and said, “I don’t think so. But I think I can do something less than the forgiveness of Jesus. I will ask God to smack their buttocks so hard.” When we choose to show some little concern to our enemies no matter know small; it is a step towards perfection. But choosing not to try at all is the worst decision any true believer can take.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, help us to love no matter how little. Amen.