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Theo Tigno•
6/16/2008 9:01 pm
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Tuesday, June 17th 2008 |
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 only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for a restoration of the dignity of marriage between a woman and a man.
One thing that I have noticed in my own life and in the lives of other Christians is the struggle with gossip. This struggle was brought to light recently when I read a book entitled "Sins of the Tongue."
Today's reading offers a way that we can purify our own souls versus tearing down others: pray for those who persecute you.
I often times find that the gossip that I participate in goes on internally. When someone cuts me off on the road, instead of turning it into an act of charity, I use it as an opportunity to tear them down in my own heart. When I see or hear about people who live together who are not married, either in heterosexual or homosexual, the internal voice inside of me turns to judgement versus praying for them and for their souls.
"Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Praise God for His generous mercy, for He leads us down the path of holiness! Today's reading is a call for all of us to turn to Him when we are tempted to tear down others. Let us be merciful in our daily lives as He is merciful. Let us strive for perfection in how we treat one another. Take care and God Bless.
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