I Did Not Pray For You Today

I went to see a priest many years ago for a serious spiritual issue. And he gave me an assignment that I would have never imagined or wanted: I had to pray for someone who hurt me very badly. I waivered about doing it for a while until a second priest commanded me to be obedient. That prayer ultimately took me seven months to complete on the first priest’s schedule. On the last day of the assignment, I went to Mass, figuring I should mark the occasion. And the Gospel reading was Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” I don’t how God does that, timing my life to the liturgical calendar. He’s so big. It scares me a little. And He scared me, the way He made it clear that my being a victim did not assure my salvation. Jesus was a victim who forgave. I was expected to follow the model I was given. The command to love enemies is repeated as today’s Gospel. Jesus, who forgave from the cross, equates forgiveness today with perfection. And so, we are called to perfection. Father Efrain today in the prayers of the faithful gave the congregation the opportunity to pray aloud for intentions and I called one out. I did not pray for you today. I prayed for the person you hate, the person who hurt you, the person you disagree with. I prayed today for your enemy. We are called to perfection, not to revenge. God has shown me that I am also a sinner in need of mercy. May the Lord heal every division and bring unity. May the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world grant us peace.