Getting used to something new takes time and it would require letting go and allowing space for change. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is addressing one such practice introducing some dramatic change to follow; to love, not only those who are good to us but also those who persecute us. This was in-deed a New Commandment to our ancestors who had heard that they were to hate their enemies. Over 2000 years down the track, how do we respond to Jesus’ instructions? As much as we would love to say that this is no longer a New Commandment, that this New Commandment has become part of us, we know how much we still struggle to adapt into this new way of living. It appears that we are still stuck with our ancestors, often being able to love only those who reciprocate our love. As we listen to the Word of God today, let us allow the Word to transform us, so that we may be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect.

PRAYER: Abba Father, speak your Word into our hearts and transform us to love like you love us. Amen.