March 12
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,[o] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
-Matthew 5:38-48
(Please read the scripture passage through three times using the practice of lectio divina.)
Reflection
Charles Roberts entered a small Amish schoolhouse on October 2, 2006 and shot eight girls, who were between the ages of 6 and 13. Five died. The Amish community immediately began to extend acts of forgiveness. One Amish farmer held Roberts’s sobbing father in his arms for an hour. The Amish attended Roberts’s funeral. Roberts’s mother, Terri, says that “Love just emanated from them.”
The Amish, instead of participating in the usual pattern of an escalating and spiraling hate (hate that results in a toothless and blind humanity), followed Jesus’ command to fight hate with love. In doing so, they acted as Christ’s healing body here on earth by extending mercy and grace.
Action (Pray)
Fred (Mr.) Rogers carried a note in his pocket that said, “Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.” Think of the person you’ve identified as a personal or ideological “enemy.” What do you know of his or her story? Pray that your own heart would soften towards this person. Pray the good you want for yourself for your enemy.
