20/02/2022

We see David not profiting by the opportunity he had to end his probems with Saul. They were enemies. David respects the Lord's anointed one to the extent that he does not kill him. "Anointed" is a key word for David to explain why he did not act.

Jesus is concerned with "enemies" not with any of their characteristics. There are not any charateristics other than the difference between us that Jesus uses to give us this command. I am and so is the other. We are in conflict so we are reciprocally "enemies". I hit him and he is not to retaliate in a normal human reaction but he has to turn the other cheek. Wow!! This is a 100% reversal of what is considered to be normal human behaviour.

We automatically pray for the victims of a terrorist attack. Jesus tells us that we should be praying for the attackers too. Praying is turning to God in complete sincerity. God knows. Can I honestly say that I have the best interests of someone I am in conflict with when I turn to God to pray or is it really true that I want God to tell my "enemy" that he is wrong and even punish him for not agreeing with me.

Jesus is the complete challenge to our human behaviour, to our religion to our self centeredness and to our love. We must wish the best for all peoples of the world; for the holy ones and for the sinners; for the rich and for the poor for the learned and the ignorant. We must do this without judgement or condemnation. We can do this only by being totally with Jesus for he is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Dear Lord you know how we have made heavy work of your teachings; you know this weakness of your creation. I know the strength of your incarnation and that the agony of the Crucifixion has defeated evil and   cleared the way for us to hope of heaven. May the Glory of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the prayers of Mary and all your saints be with me and with all the world this day. I know your strength help thou my weakness.