“My daughter, in this meditation, consider the love of neighbor. Is your love for your neighbor guided by My love? Do you pray for your enemies? Do you wish well to those who have, in one way or another, caused you sorrow or offended you?
Know that whatever good you do to any soul, I accept it as if you had done it to Me” Divine Mercy in my Soul # 1768
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:40
In today’s world, it is easy for a Catholic to look around and accuse others of being against them and their faith. With so many of those people, it is very true. Yes, there are many in the world, maybe even a neighbor or coworker, and many prominent leaders who profess beliefs that are opposed to the faith. There are even some we read about in government who are even working to destroy the Catholic Church and would not be opposed to taking down her followers.
So many reasons to hold grudges and even hate them. It can be tempting to turn to the Lord in prayer, “Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?” Luke 9:54.
Harbor any of these feelings in your heart or mind and don’t be surprised at reason a rebuke from the Lord as James and John did in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 9:55).
“…And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”” Matthew 6:12-15. Jesus spent a lot of time and effort talking about forgiveness and sin, and so much of those stories and teachings telling us how to treat those who are sinners and sin against us.
He even tells us not to approach Him until we have forgiven our brother, who sinned against us, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24. Also, see Matthew 7:1-5.
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:40
Many throughout the history of the Church have been willing to die rather than turn from their faith. No doubt, crucifixion and burning at the stake are horrible ways to die. But, these are nothing compared to facing the Lord in judgement. The Lord says, ““I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!”” Luke 12:4-5.
Praise the Lord, He has given us a vessel not just to pray for but to learn to love even those who hate and scorn us. Divine Mercy is that vessel.
“”I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it. I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first — by deed, the second — by word, the third — by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy”” Divine Mercy in my soul # 742.
Lord Jesus, help me to pray for my enemies and for those who have caused me sorrows. Teach me to live Your word: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”