As a little girl, I was taught Jesus came to save us. However, I believe Jesus came to remind us of who we are.

We have the one true God within ourselves, so we, too, are creators. By forgiving our enemies, we prove to be children of God. God works through us for each other. We become creators of loving relationships.

How do we love our enemies? How do we get past hurt, anger, and distrust? What if we try to see why they think and feel the way they do? How they perceive their side. Jesus asks us to break out of our comfort zone and love more than just those with whom we are most comfortable. If someone hurts us, forgiveness is necessary. Life is not an eye for an eye. Diffusing negative emotions is key. Trying to see your enemy’s perception will guide choice…. either walking away or understanding, but in the end, I believe Jesus strengthens us to allow forgiveness.

The gospel says we are asked to be perfect as God is perfect, but as humans, we sometimes find ourselves in unhealthy, toxic relationships that are not built on love or trust, void of hope, or dangerous. So…. for some…. forgiving and walking away is best. God will always love His children. Forgiving doesn’t mean keeping an unhealthy relationship.

St. Peter Julian said, “We must be pure. I do not speak merely of the purity of the senses. We must observe great purity in our will, in our intentions, in all our actions.”

Let Us Pray:

Dear Lord, only through the Eucharist can you help us understand that not all relationships can be mended, but all can be forgiven.