Readings: Lev 19:1-2, 17-18. 1Cor 3: 16-23. Mt 5:38-48
Ordinarily, we find it easy to love those who love us, and to pay in the same currency those who do good to us. We associate easily with those with whom we strongly share qualities, ideas and personalities. We favour those who have some positive attachment to us. In this, we can all look good.
The true test of our goodness, though, is when we encounter those who seem to be very different from us (or even opposed to us). Those who subscribe to different ideologies than we do (such as religion, political parties). Those who are opposed to us. Those who don’t measure up to our criteria of morality. Those actively involved in pulling us down. Do we love them? How can we claim that we’re loving when we’re only reciprocating what we like in the other person?
May Jesus Christ grant us the grace to love everyone, even those who hurt us badly.