“In the Gospel today, Jesus says something very challenging: “You have heard it 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.”
Let us be honest—this is not easy.
To love those who love us is natural. To be kind to those who are kind to us is easy. But to love an enemy, to pray for someone who hurt us—that is difficult.
And that is exactly why this Gospel is given to us during Lent.
1. Lent Challenges Us to Go Beyond What Is Easy
Jesus says, “If you love only those who love you, what reward will you have?”
Lent is not just about giving up food, habits, or comforts. Those are helpful—but they are not the heart of Lent.
The real question is:
Can we love when it is no longer convenient?
Can we be kind when we feel justified to be angry?
Can we choose mercy instead of revenge?
This is where Lent becomes real.
2. Lent Invites Us to Let Go of Resentment
Jesus does not deny our pain.
But He asks us not to let resentment rule our hearts.
Holding on to anger does not heal us—it imprisons us. Often, the person who hurt us has already moved on, but we remain trapped by bitterness.
To pray for an enemy does not mean approving of what they did.
It means entrusting our wounds to God.
Sometimes the most honest Lenten prayer is simply: “Lord, help me begin.”
3. Lent calls us to become children of the Father
Jesus tells us why He asks this of us: “So that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
God shows kindness to both the good and the bad. Lent calls us to reflect this heart of the Father—
a heart that chooses mercy over hatred.
That is why Jesus says, “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Not flawless—but whole, mature, and complete in love.
Final Words
As we continue this season of Lent, let us ask ourselves: Who is God asking me to love this Lent?
Not in words, but in concrete action—through forgiveness, restraint, prayer, or a small act of kindness.
May this Eucharist give us the grace to love as Christ loves.”