Matthew 5:43-48
“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, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Holding Ourselves Accountable
You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ That sentence often deeply resonates with our sense of justice. Yet, we know by now that God does not act according to any human sense of justice. Scripture reminds us that Jesus has walked a mile in our shoes. Emmanuel, God-with-skin-on, also had his teeth set on edge at times. We are not alone in our frustration. Our consolation lies, therefore, in the reality that Jesus keeps us company. Saint Ignatius practiced and taught a daily Examen in order to heighten his awareness of the Divine. Reviewing the day by looking in our ‘rear-view mirror’ is a thorough way to hold ourselves accountable, even if we might rather focus on changing the behavior of others!
Jesus, where did I see you or miss you today? Open my eyes and heart to see you more clearly, tomorrow.
—Monique Jacobs has been engaged in active ministry in the Church for 40+ years and accompanies people in her ministry and through spiritual direction using Ignatian methods. She is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Reno.
Prayer
I am not alone. When I feel isolated by humanity or by my own clumsiness and pride, stand beside me and grant me the consolation of your warm and merciful presence. I need help to lean on you, Jesus, but that is really what I want to do. Build my trust, my vision, my hope, and my courage to believe that despite all things, your unconditional presence does not waver.
—Monique Jacobs