Homily for Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

The ideal of loving our enemies and even praying for persecutors seems remote and unreal, until we remember Jesus’ own heroic example, praying for his executioners, as he hung dying on the Cross.[1]

Jesus put a high value on forgiveness and reconciliation. We are advised to swallow our pride and turn away from the harsh judgment of others. If we can repent, it shows how others can change. No matter how justified our anger or how eloquent our condemnation, we need to be forgiving and grow to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.[2] +

 

[1] Luke 22:34

[2] Matthew 5:48