Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 17, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

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 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:

The gospel reading for today continues our reading of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”. Jesus challenges us to love as the Father loves, not only the deserving “saints” but also the “sinners.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I responding to those who act hatefully?

Praying:

LORD, You are love and it is from You that we have life. And within us, You have woven the threads of your love and You pull us to You. We struggle. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to be the daughters and sons You created us to be, loving You and loving our sisters and brothers. You sent your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our brother, taking on our human nature, to model for us the life in You, with You, and through You that we are called to live. Grant that we may learn to love as He loved us. We 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.