Gospel: Matthew 5:43‐48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Reflection
This passage almost directly correlates with the message of the Viatorians, to help others. We are reminded today to help not only those whom we love, but also those whom we hate. Being a Viatorian in this way is essential.
We as Viatorians must go out into the world and spread our beliefs and our faith not only through our mouths, but through our actions. The saying “Actions speak louder than words” rings especially true to all of us.
As Catholics, and more specifically Viatorians, we are called to help people around the world. We may come into contact with some who disagree with us or our faith, but through our kind nature and full hearts, we live out the message of Father Querbes.
Matthew 5:46-47 says, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”
We reflect that by loving our friends, we get no reward. Anyone can love their family or their friends. It takes a strong person, a unique person, to love his enemy.
Alexis Rodriguez, 18, St. Thomas More Catholic Community, Henderson, NV, VYC 2012 Delegate
- Being a Viatorian is important because we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We live this beautiful life to make it better for everyone else. This includes our enemies.
- During this Lenten season, I am making an effort to see God in every person I encounter. By doing so, I am being a child of God but I am also rewarding myself by being able to recognize God every day, and that is a blessing itself.