I was deeply convicted listening to a recent homily by a priest who said: “You really only know how holy you are or how much you love God by how much you love and pray for those you like the least (i.e., your ‘enemies’).”
Whether it is a prominent public official, a coworker, or even a family member, ‘that’ person at the mere mention of whose name causes your heart to tremble and blood pressure to skyrocket – am I praying for them? Daily? By name? At Mass and in my Rosary? Offering sacrifices for them? Making time to reach out to them? Doing what I would do for the person who is most dear to me? Willing to DIE for them to help save their soul??! Even if I don’t like it, the truth is: that IS the ‘measure’ of my love, the measure of my holiness!! (*gulp* – YIKES!)
Not all my good deeds or even my good intentions will determine my final judgment in God’s sight; but my love for the ‘least ones’ in my life is essential. For Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…for if you love those who love you, what reward have you?” (Mt 5:44, 46a) and “Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40b) [RSV]. Lord Jesus, help me to love as You loved – preferring others to myself
and giving myself totally to all without counting the cost. Please grant me this grace, for without Your Divine Mercy this is impossible. +Amen.
+Br. Philip Maria Allen, CFR
Most Blessed Sacrament Friary
Newark, NJ