Good morning, good people! May the Lord give you peace, health, and happiness in the Holy Spirit. Today is March 15, 2025.
We reflect on Deuteronomy 26:16-19 and Matthew 5:43-48.
Who is someone in your life that is difficult to love?
Pope Francis reminds us:
“To love as the Lord loves us means not to look for our own interests, but to place ourselves at the service of others without expecting anything in return.”
There is no better way to show love for God than by following His commandments. Moses reminded the people of Israel to remain steadfast in obeying the law, not out of obligation, but out of love for the Lord. God openly declares that we are His people—now it is our turn to respond by obeying Him. When love feels like a burden, it becomes difficult to listen deeply. Obedience and mercy go hand in hand.
During World War II, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic priest imprisoned in Auschwitz, offered his life to save a condemned man, Franciszek Gajowniczek, who cried out for his family. Moved by compassion, Fr. Kolbe stepped forward and said, “I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place.” Shocked by this selfless act, the guards agreed. In the starvation bunker, Fr. Kolbe led prayers and hymns, bringing hope to the dying. After two weeks, he was executed. Gajowniczek later shared the story of the priest who loved as Christ loved.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter Jesus’ preaching on the mount, where He calls us to the summit of love—to wish the best for everyone, even our enemies. True Christian love reflects Jesus’ sacrifice: He died for all, so we must live for all—beyond our family, friends, tribe, and community. Genuine love does not discriminate.
We all have people in our lives who are difficult to love. Yet, we must not let the evil of others contaminate our goodness. We do not need to prove our strength by responding with hatred. Instead, through selfless giving and sharing, we can bring our enemies closer to Christ.
Let us begin today—by giving to the Church and by helping someone in need.
May you have a blessed day!