Some prayers can be a struggle.
Today was one of them. Because in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives a tough instruction on prayer.
"But I say to you, love your enemies, & pray for those who persecute you” - Matthew 5:44
Lord, isn’t that asking too much? Ang taas naman ng standard. Baka pwede mo ibaba ng konti?
Then, instead of giving in to my request, Jesus issues a bigger challenge.
"So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - Matthew 5:48
Ok Lord, i’ll pray for my parents. I owe them a lot.
I’ll pray for my children. I love them a lot.
I’ll pray for my friends. They are fun to be with.
I’ll pray for my co-workers. I spend a lot of time with them.
But my enemies? My bashers? Do you really want me to pray for people who hate me?
Then it hit me. What is an enemy?The simple definition is a person who is actively opposed to someone or something. Isn’t that me?
Moses preached to the Israelites that "your God, commands you to observe these statutes and decrees. Be careful, then, to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 26:16)
I am an enemy of God because I don’t follow His commands always. God could have given up on me. God could end our relationship anytime. That action would be justified. Yet, what does God do?
- God LOVES ME. "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19)
- God FORGIVES ME. "He is faithful & just and will forgive our sins & cleanse us from every wrongdoing" (1 John 1:9 )
- God KEEPS ME SAFE. "Even to your old age I am he, even when your hair is gray I will carry you; I have done this, and I will lift you up, I will carry you to safety" (Isaiah 46:4)
This looks impossible Lord. But I pray, that by your Holy Spirit, I’ll give it a try & do it.
This #lent2020, pray not only for those who love you. Pray more for those who hate you. Yes, it will be a struggle but think about the struggle of Jesus as HE carried that cross for you.
Have a blessed Saturday!- alvinfabella@yahoo.com
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