REFLECTIONS TODAY
God’s love encompasses everything. However, from the point of view of human standard, it is not always easy to accept the reality that God’s love is received not only by the righteous but also by the unrighteous. Psalm 139:19-22 seems to encourage the hating of the wicked person. But if we read it intently, it is conditional: “When you would destroy the wicked, O God…” We know that God always wills everyone to be saved. Psalm 130:3-4 also attests to God’s encompassing forgiveness: “If you, Lord, keep account of our sins, Lord who can stand? But with you is forgiveness…” The truth is that all of us are recipients of God’s love. This simple fact makes Jesus’ challenge of loving one’s enemies easier to understand and accept. Do we recognize the fact that there is also unrighteousness in us, and yet God keeps on loving us? Do we pray for the well-being even of those we consider to be enemies? This Lent, how shall we concretize God’s encompassing love? Gospel • Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).