Matthew 5:43-48 NRSVue
43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so 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. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
There are times, Lord, when you lift us beyond what we thought possible. Here
you ask me to be perfect: meaning that in my heart I should bless even those
who hate me and wrong me. The love of God can be poured out in our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who is given to us. Even when I feel far from blessed
myself, even when old age makes me feel there is little I can do for others,
I can still give my approval and blessing to those I meet; that will lift
them.
Reflection
As I think of those whose love I return, I thank God for them and for the
blessings we share.
Reflection
As I pray for those who bring blessings to me, I pray that I may include
others in a widening circle of compassion.
Reflection
If being like God seems too ambitious, I recall that Jesus wants nothing less
for me. He calls me to the fullness of life.
Reflection
Inspired by the words of Jesus, I bring to mind those people I have learnt to
distrust. I place them before God. If I can, I ask God to bless them; if I
cannot, I ask for the grace I need to wish them well.
Reflection
I think of the people in my community and pray for them. I look beyond them
and consider who else might also need my prayer and action for their good.