Our Father wants to give us supernatural love, joy, peace, and much more in "good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over" (Lk 6:38). We indicate our willingness to accept the lavish outpouring of God's love by giving (Lk 6:38), especially by giving forgiveness (Lk 6:37). We give forgiveness by resisting the temptations to condemn others (Lk 6:37) and by accepting the grace to be compassionate as our Father is compassionate (Lk 6:36), especially to our enemies (Lk 6:35).
Loving enemies is a catalyst that results in "all heaven breaking loose" in our lives. Jesus came to give us the abundant life (Jn 10:10), and loving enemies is a key which opens several doors to this life. When we do the natural thing and hate our enemies, we confine ourselves to a merely natural life and deprive ourselves of the glory of the supernatural life in Christ. By loving our enemies, we open the doors to the superabundant life of the risen Christ. Let us prepare for the superabundant, supernatural glories of Easter.
| PRAYER: | Father, in the love of the Spirit, throw open the doors. Jesus, come in glory. |
| PROMISE: | "...Lord, great and awesome God, You Who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love You and observe Your commandments!" –Dn 9:4 |
| PRAISE: | When struggling with a difficult person, Myra has learned to ask Jesus to give His heart to her; He does. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College