Tuesday, June 19, 2007Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Enemies can become one of your most valuable possessions. I do not say pleasant ones, but valuable ones. For they are means of making you aware of what you are deep inside. They bring out hidden traits that are important for you to discover. You can see in the way you react towards enemies just how kind and forgiving you are, or just how intolerant and hateful you might be.
I use the word “enemy” to denote anyone who goes against your grain. It is not merely those who come at you with tanks and guns. But anyone who makes your life unpleasant could be considered an enemy. Maybe, though, they are really friends in disguise. For if they make you aware of what you are like deep inside, if they try your goodness and you find it shallow, (if they tell you that you have bad breath), then you know what you still have to improve in yourself. Friends might never tell you. Enemies will bring it all out. Without knowing it, they are means for you to grow in genuine, Christian goodness.
Therefore, as Jesus says, “Love your enemies, pray for your persecutors.” Why not? They are among your most valuable of friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment