Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 28,2026

Date: Saturday of the 1^st Week of Lent

Scripture Text:   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." 

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus challenges to go beyond the minimum of not hating to the spiritual and conscious choice to love one another as our perfect Heavenly Father loves each of us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I pray for those who have harmed me and hated me?

Praying:

LORD,  Almighty Father, You are the source of all goodness and love itself. And your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life for all of humanity for love of You and love of us. Send your Spirit to stir within me, helping me to see in another what You see, their potential, the goodness You have woven within them. Grant that I may bring my relationships to You and that through prayer, You will help me to set down any unloving emotions. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.