Saturday 27 February

Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Matthew 5:43-48

The Enemy

Jesus calls us to go beyond the Law of Moses. The Old Testament teaches the love of neighbour but does not prescribe how to love enemies. This passage may test our true virtue of forgiveness and love for neighbour, oneself and God. “Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.” When a verdict has been pronounced and a murderer is sent to jail for life, what is our response as Christians to this person? How am I challenged by this reading?