The Crucifixion
Fruit of the Mystery: Love of Enemies
During his public ministry, Jesus had instructed his followers, “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.” (Luke 6:27-28). While suffering, hanging on the cross, Jesus practiced what he preached.
He had been scourged, had thorns jammed into his head, struggled under the weight of the cross, and now had been exposed and nailed to a cross, and yet he still didn’t lash out in anger and retribution.
Jesus was at his lowest human point. He felt abandoned by his Father, crying out in agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) And yet, even in the midst of his pain and anguish, he asked his Father to forgive those who had done him harm. He did not ask his Father to torture them or to cast them all into hell. Instead he prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
We all have enemies. These may be individuals who have intentionally or unintentionally done us harm. They may be groups of people: those who stand on the opposite side on issues that are of the utmost importance to us or those who are simply different from us in some way. All too often, our differences separate us and cause us to view the world in an us vs. them mentality. Sometimes we have enemies by virtue of being part of a country engaged in a political or economic war with another country. In viewing individuals, groups, or countries as enemies, we can negate their humanity. They are not like us. Therefore, we do not need to treat them with dignity or respect.
Jesus called us to love our enemies. This is not an easy task. It may not even be possible without God’s help. Our natural inclination is to hate our enemies. Only God can help us to see our enemies as God sees them, as our fellow human brothers and sisters. We are called to want what is right and good for them.
In meditating on this mystery of The Crucifixion, may we pray to love our enemies.
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