Quiet Storm by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II, 23 February 2025
Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse, pray for those who mistreat you… But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:27-28, 35-36).
yes, i hear you Lord.
love my enemies.
i have tried
and continue to strive
at loving my enemies;
but, who are my enemies?
yes, it is easier said than done,
loving my enemies
who are most easy to identify
as those i hate and do not agree with,
those who have hurt me,
those who do not believe in me,
those who simply differ with me
both outside
and inside.
as i rested in you, Jesus
i have realized
something deeper,
and pernicious:
my worst enemies
are those within me
like a sin i refuse to admit,
a sin i continue to justify,
a darkness i'm afraid to look into.
yes, Jesus!
my worst enemy
is actually myself
when i deny your love
and presence in me;
let me look deep inside me
where in my life
is God asking me to love
more like you, Jesus?
yes, it is terrifying,
disturbing and difficult
but it is only when i love more
like you Jesus
that i experience your love more
and begin loving my enemies within!
lordmychef.com 