"Love your enemies"

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In the gospel today, Jesus chooses the twelve apostles. They were to be his companions and preach the good news of the Kingdom. We know that a central part of Jesus' teaching was to love God and our neighbours and even to love enemies. That seems to be one of the most difficult parts of his teaching but we have a wonderful example in the first reading showing that it can be done. In 1 Samuel 24:3-21, Saul took 3,000 men searching for David. When David and his men were hidden in a cave, Saul entered into the same cave. David had the chance to kill him but did not to and simply cut a piece of Saul's cloak. When David came out of the cave and saw Saul, he showed him the piece of the cloak and declared his desire for peace between them. Saul wept and praised David for his goodness. Jesus came as the Messiah descended from the line of David and called his disciples to live in a similar love and peace.

 

As we read the list of the names of the apostles, we can reflect that if Jesus was making a list of his followers today, our names would be included. We have all been called to be missionary disciples of Jesus. It is said that Abraham Lincoln was criticized for being too soft towards his enemies, but he said, ''I will have no enemies if I make them my friends.'' Thank you for calling us, Lord, and may we have no enemies but only friends as we witness our love for you in a special way to those whom we tend to judge and criticize. Help us to see them with your eyes.