Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 5:43-48)

Lord Jesus, 

You reveal to us the heart of the Father, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”, a demanding word, Lord, a word that surpasses our strength, but that opens the way to true holiness. You call us to love not only those who love us, but also those who hurt us, those who ignore us, those who contradict us. Give us a heart free from hatred, free from the desire for revenge, free from indifference.

Lord, You make the sun rise on the good and the bad, and you make it rain on the just and the unjust. Teach us to reflect this mercy in our words, in our thoughts, in our actions. When forgiveness seems impossible, remind us of the Cross of Christ. When love costs sacrifice, give us the grace to love as you love.

Lord, make us perfect in charity, not according to the measure of the world, but according to the measure of Your Heart and may Our Mother Mary, Mother of Mercy, teach us to ponder in silence and to respond to evil with good. Amen