In “Deus Caritas Est”, Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “Love of neighbor is thus shown to be possible in the way proclaimed by the Bible, by Jesus. It consists in the very fact that, in God and with God, I love even the person whom I do not like or even know. This can only take place on the basis of an intimate encounter with God, an encounter which has become a communion of will, even affecting my feelings. Then I learn to look on this other person not simply with my eyes and my feelings, but from the perspective of Jesus Christ. His friend is my friend. Going beyond exterior appearances, I perceive in others an interior desire for a sign of love, of concern.”
Today’s reading is not easier than yesterday. Here Jesus, as Pope Benedict XVI puts it, calls us to see the other, including our enemies, with the eyes of Christ, so we can give others much more than their outward necessities. Of course, it is not always easy to love our family, friends, let alone our enemies. But, one of my Jesuit philosophy teachers once said that in order to be a good Christian each of us must have enemies. If no one that you could consider as your enemies, then you will not be able to complete the challenge from Jesus to love your enemies. Let us reflect on whether you are able to look upon someone you consider as your enemy