Daily Word Of God
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said, You will love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the bad men as well as the good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike.
‘For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- We will never be perfect while on earth, but in today’s Gospel passage, Jesus urges us to strive to be as perfect as God is perfect.
- Jesus teaches us that we are all children of God. So, our relationships with one another must reflect that divine Love that God our Father wants us to show to each other.
- Ponder on the way you treat others and then ask yourself, “Which teachings of Jesus do I find most difficult to live out daily? Would it be to forgive those who hurt me or a preoccupation with my freedom, comfort, self-image etc.? Pray for strength from the Holy Spirit to strive to be perfect.