Growing up, I remember my mother saying, “In our family, we do not ‘hate” Apparently, she said it often enough that I remember it. She would explain that we did not know the meaning and full significance of “hate”. She told us kids it was ok not to like every thing and every one. We did not have to agree with everyone about everything. However, there was no reason ever to hate.
In today’s reading from Matthew, we hear Jesus saying 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…”
This is a strong directive. Further on in Matthew’s gospel we hear Jesus say, “…love your neighbor as you love yourself”…(Matthew 22:37-40).
Demanding words, especially in today’s world where there is daily bombing, violence, ongoing judgement, hunger, starvation, belittling and little apparent evidence of universal love of neighbor and prayer for enemy. Hate may seem more productive, seem easier, as it is often more visible. Praying for one’s enemies is challenging. Often invisible.
In addition to the difficult directive to love one’s neighbors and pray for one’s enemies, there is an invitation. Jesus invites us into familial relationship with his father. This is the way children of the heavenly father behave. Love and pray for one’s neighbors and enemies. “…that you may be children of your heavenly Father…” who treats “…the bad and the good…and the just and the unjust…” equally. We hear of this incredible relationship between Father and Son. Amazingly, we are invited to share as “children” in this relationship.
Sitting with this image, in the imaginative prayer experience of being a child of the Father and sister of the Son, I prayerfully experience myself as a lover and pray-er no longer a judge. I feel the Father saying, “Joan, in my house, we do not hate. In my house all are equally loved.”
In silent solitude I invite you to prayerfully imagine, listen and hear the Father’s words for you.
If I wanted to be a child in my mother’s home, there was no hating!
If I want to be a child in my Father’s home, there is no hating!
Amen
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
