Matthew 5:43-48
“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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
To love my enemies, to pray for those who persecute me, to seek perfection as You are perfect—so hard, a bar beyond reach in my own strength. Lift me up, Lord, fill me with Your strength and with Your mind. Only in You, Lord, only in You.
Today’s readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 52
Mid-day: 119:153-160
Evening: Psalm 128
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
