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Luke 6:27-28

"But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

In today's Gospel the simple meaning is "Love your enemies!" It is hard for all us to love everyone the same way, but despite how difficult it is, it is possible. Jesus says "Treat others as you would like people to treat you!" No matter where they're from, what color they are, what they look like, Jesus simply means to accept and truly love all as He did with us. 

I read a book by Matthew Kelly called, "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity." The biggest lie is that "Holiness is not possible." Holiness is possible for us, it's a moment where we open ourselves to God. Holiness is doing what God is calling us to do in and for our lives. With our busy lives we don't think about holiness.

"Forgive and you will be forgiven," people will do harm to us in our lives. Forgiving is never easy. To love and forgive someone who did us harm is difficult, but to grow in the best version of ourselves, Jesus asks of us to not do easy things.

Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:

Paul Ciulei, Sophomore

Home parish: Our Lady of Lourdes

Did you know...

I have a good work ethic, I am active, I am open to new learnings.

Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.

1 Samuel 24:20

"For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed?"

For the past few days we have been reading about the relationship between King Saul and David.  Jealously and envy have befallen Saul and he wanted to kill David.  David knew it and had a chance to kill Saul, yet let him walk without harming so much as a hair on his head.  When David revealed to Saul how close he came to falling under David's knife, Saul wept, apologized and thanked God for having David spare his life.  It took great patience, strength, and trust in God to let Saul live.  David knew Saul was out to kill him, yet in his heart, he gave Saul the chance to redeem himself.  Saul, in a sense, was converted. 

How often have you had the opportunity to do some kind of harm on someone you didn't like?  Sure, it may not be physical harm, but what about emotional, psychological or even spiritual.  Have you wished for negative things about someone or even gone so far as to pray to God for someone's ill fate?  What about bullying, sending false information about someone, throwing them "under the bus" when that really could have been avoided?  We all have probably been guilty at some level.  Pray today for forgiveness for those thoughts or actions.  Let bygones be bygones, and in this Year of  Mercy, show mercy and compassion to those you may not always get along with.