Jun 18, 2024, Tuesday of the 11th Week of Ordinary Time-B
1 Kings 21:17-29
Psalm 51
Matthew 5:43-48
“I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44
Lord, I like it a lot more when you ask me to do easy things like not killing or stealing. Today it seems you set the bar impossibly high, and you make it personal. Loving enemies and forgiving the one who has deeply hurt me doesn’t come naturally. I know how destructive the prison of hate and resentment can be. I know how they hold me back in my walk with you. It helps to realize that you died on the cross for the bad and the good. You offer salvation to even those I despise. You begged your Father to forgive even those who hammered the nails into your hands and feet. So, Lord, where can I even begin? Maybe a clue lies in your words to “pray for those who persecute you.” So today I lift up in prayer that one person who has hurt me so badly. I pray for you to heal the anger and malice I have in my heart for him. I know, dear Jesus, this is going to take a while for me to be free. Teach me how to let go of what binds me. Amen.