MATTHEW 5:43–48 LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS

Year A, Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, Jesus brings His teaching to a new and challenging level: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Loving those who love us is natural and easy. Even those who do not know God can do that. But Jesus calls His disciples to something greater—to love as God loves.

God does not reserve His love only for the good and the faithful. Jesus reminds us that the Father makes His sun rise on the bad and the good and sends rain upon the just and the unjust. God's love is generous, unconditional, and universal. As children of such a Father, we are called to reflect that same love in our lives.

Loving our enemies does not mean approving of their actions or pretending that wounds do not hurt. Rather, it means refusing to allow hatred to take root in our hearts. It means praying for those who have hurt us, seeking reconciliation when possible, and entrusting justice to God.

Jesus concludes with a remarkable invitation: "Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." Christian perfection is not about never making mistakes; it is about allowing our hearts to become more like the Father's heart—merciful, compassionate, and open to all. Today, let us ask the Lord for the grace to love beyond our comfort zone and to reflect His boundless love to everyone we meet.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo