Praise the Lord, my soul! — Psalm 146:1

Mass readings: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 / Matthew 5:43-48

A Prayer of Questions 

One of the most frequently quoted but most difficult of Jesus’ sayings occurs in today’s Gospel: “Love your enemy.” On one level, that’s not impossible. I really can try to love my sarcastic in-law or my micro-managing boss or the guy who cut me off in traffic. But what about terrorists? Crooked investment companies? Industries that destroy the planet and its creatures for profit? Governments that in one way or another condone genocide? What’s the difference between loving my enemy and being a passive victim? And what can I really do about any of this? And why does God seem to allow these things? 

I don’t have the answers. But I know that my questions, posed to the Lord perhaps in desperation but always in trust, can still be prayers. 

Prayer: Teach me, Father, to listen for Your voice.