First reading 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
The Lord Jesus was rich but became poor for your sake
Now here, brothers, is the news of the grace of God which was given in the churches in Macedonia; and of how, throughout great trials by suffering, their constant cheerfulness and their intense poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity. I can swear that they gave not only as much as they could afford, but far more, and quite spontaneously, begging and begging us for the favour of sharing in this service to the saints and, what was quite unexpected, they offered their own selves first to God and, under God, to us.
Because of this, we have asked Titus, since he has already made a beginning, to bring this work of mercy to the same point of success among you. You always have the most of everything – of faith, of eloquence, of understanding, of keenness for any cause, and the biggest share of our affection – so we expect you to put the most into this work of mercy too. It is not an order that I am giving you; I am just testing the genuineness of your love against the keenness of others. Remember how generous the Lord Jesus was: he was rich, but he became poor for your sake, to make you rich out of his poverty.
Responsorial Psalm 145(146):2,5-9
My soul, give praise to the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
I will praise the Lord all my days,
make music to my God while I live.
My soul, give praise to the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
He is happy who is helped by Jacob’s God,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who alone made heaven and earth,
the seas and all they contain.
My soul, give praise to the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
It is he who keeps faith for ever,
who is just to those who are oppressed.
It is he who gives bread to the hungry,
the Lord, who sets prisoners free.
My soul, give praise to the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,
who raises up those who are bowed down,
the Lord, who protects the stranger
and upholds the widow and orphan.
My soul, give praise to the Lord.
or
Alleluia!
Gospel Matthew 5:43-48
Pray for those who persecute you
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
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Love and pray for your enemies
Today’s Gospel passage presents another challenging command from Jesus that goes against our human instinct: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus calls us to love, not hate, to forgive, not resent, because this is how God loves.
During our prayer time, let us reflect on who our enemies are. Who are the people we do not like or even want to be around? These are the ones whom Jesus is calling us to love. Christian love is not about feelings; it involves a deliberate act of will, where we choose daily to do good for others, regardless of our personal feelings towards them. One powerful act of love is praying for our enemies. By doing so, we open ourselves to God’s peace and seek healing for both ourselves and those who have hurt us. Let us humbly ask the Holy Spirit to help us transform our hearts and empower us to reflect the unconditional love of God our Father.
Reflective questions:
Are there people in my life whom I struggle to love and even pray for? What message does Jesus have for me in this time of prayer?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
