Jesus speaks directly to us when he says: “Do not the pagans do the same?”

There are several definitions for the word pagan. Using it in context here, pagans are those who did not and do not worship the one triune God. Our Lord is telling his disciples, including us, that we are to be different and set apart from those who only greet those they like or love those who love them, not their enemies.

When I examine my conscience, I become aware that I fall short of what Jesus asks me. Be honest, and there are people in your life you cannot stand, do not like, or call it what you will. The modern term is called setting up boundaries. But Jesus uses straight talk and tells us to love our neighbors, which includes everyone.

I have a neighbor of mine whose ideas and morals bug me. I knew I was living in sin and not loving him. I did not wish him evil, but I did not love him into the kingdom of God. A few months ago, I went up to him and greeted him with a hug. I even invited him into the house. My pagan attitude dissipated. I had been praying about this for months. Thank you, Jesus.

“Humility and mortification are the fruit of the cross,” wrote Peter Julian Eymard in March 1853 in a letter to Marguerite Guillot.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, please continue to help us love like you love to show others your love for their good, our good, and your glory. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.