Pray for those who persecute you

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Today is Tuesday the 16th of June, in the 11th week of Ordinary Time.

Jon Guerra sings, ‘Love Your Enemies’. As we prepare to pray these lines of scripture today, let this song carry you into prayer.

Give to everyone who asks of you

Be good to everybody, no matter who

Do to them as you would have them do to you

Love your enemies

No greater love is there than this

I laid down my life, and I would do it again

I gave it to you, so give it to them

Love your enemies

Love, love, love your enemies

And be children of your father in heaven

Children of your father in heaven

Turn the other cheek, put down your fists

Give up your coat if someone asks for it

What have you got that you were not given

Give everything

And when the sun sets on your labour

Turning the tides, but not in your favour

Love is a rescue

And it'll save you

For

Love, love, love your enemies

And be children of your father in heaven

Children of your father in heaven

If you love those who love you

What good is it

What good is it

What good is it

If you hate those who hate you

What good is it

Well, it's no good, no good at all

If you love those who love you

What good is it

What good is it

What good is it

If you gain the whole world

But lose your soul

Well, it's no good, no good at all

It's no good, no good at all

Oh love, love, love your enemies

And be children of your father in heaven

Children of your father

Children of your father

Children of your father

Children of your father in heaven

3:06

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:43-48

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour 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, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

4:35

Waltz for the Broken Hearted

Jeff Wahl

In today’s passage, we are still listening to the Sermon on the Mount, with Jesus continuing to teach a deeper understanding of what the Law asks of the people. His words seem extravagant, asking far more than anyone might think possible.

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

What thoughts, what faces, what experiences come to mind when you hear this?

“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Jesus describes the Father’s perfection as a willingness to be vulnerable, to offer grace and kindness simply because he is Father - not because of any worthiness in the one who receives. What feelings are arising in you?

As you listen to the passage again, consider this indiscriminate, generous love that the Father pours out on all his children.

8:10

Matthew 5:43-48

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour 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, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

9:23

“So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

Take this time of prayer to ask the Lord how you might bear witness to his presence in the world.

11:39

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen