Perfect Love – Reflection on Matthew 5:43-48
Praying for everyone, including those who do not try to be virtuous, fills us with God’s love. We cannot forget that God’s grace rains equally on everyone. This is true even for those without the heightened awareness of grace. However, when we willingly accept the love within grace, we agree to the responsibility of transcending the roadblocks that come our way. The bonds that hold us back from true wholeness are broken with deep prayer and time with God. We gain the freedom to give away everything Divinity provides unconditionally. Christ’s perfect love through grace then becomes available through us to anyone we encounter in the same way as our Father gave to Jesus.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture*
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 5:43-48 Reflection – Perfect Love.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 5 Bible passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Perfect Love