September 13, 2018 Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time-B ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13

Psalm 139

Luke 6:27-38

“…love your enemies…”  Lk 6:27

Lord, is there a command more difficult or as radical as this one?  It goes against everything the world tells us to do.  This way of treating others is as stunning today as it must have been when you first said it.  Like your first listeners we wonder how in the world can we do this?   There are so many people who are at odds with me and my life, where do I begin?  Fortunately, I don’t have to do this on my own strength.  I believe you give me the grace each and every day to follow your will.  Each time a conflict with someone arises during the day you provide the help I require to love rather than hate.  Each human encounter is an opportunity for your Holy Spirit to show me your way rather than the worldly way.  At the first sign of anger or rage rising up within me help me to take a deep breath and to respond peacefully and humbly.  Your words are certainly a challenge to me.  I rest on the confident hope that you will walk with me every mile of the road as I learn to love.  Amen.