In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks powerfully to his disciples, calling them to love their enemies. This teaching was deeply countercultural in a violent society that used crucifixion and other cruel punishments. Even today, while punishment still exists, we try to carry it out more humanely.

Jesus reminds us that loving those who love us is easy, but he challenges us to pray for those who persecute us and to love everyone.

We are not to choose whom we love. Even those closest to us can frustrate us or disagree with us, yet love moves us to work through difficulties and remain in  the relationship.

Jesus calls us to love everyone, not only those who love us. We may not like everyone every day, and others may not always like us, but true love rises above irritation, disagreement, and emotion. Each person is lovable, even those who test our patience. Today, we must choose: will we love like Jesus, or let our emotions rule us?