"love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5/43-48

Fr. Tom Konopka
Feb 28
1 min read

I like to read today’s gospel through a Buddhist lens. If we work to free ourselves from hate of another, then we are free. I cannot change anyone else, only myself. Anger is a normal reaction, but when we build a house for it and feed it, it drains our souls. We give someone power over us. There is a Buddhist saying that anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other to die. If we practice today’s Gospel, then we allow the anger to pass through us. Many people ask how I do this. My answer: with lot of hard, intentional work.

First: If possible, breath first, then respond and not react. Anger is a self- protecting mechanism, and we are wired to be safe. But, if we are not safe and in danger, breath and calm down, then make a decision to resolve the anger if possible. It often is not. Second: If the other wants to make peace, begin that process. If not, allow the person to leave your heart. Be sad, mourn the loss, but never take responsibility for another’s actions. Pray for the grace to find peace.

Third: If you want, ask yourself “what is really happening?.” Often the other is projecting his/her issues onto you if you did not harm them through your behaviors.

In a world where violence is increasing through rhetoric and attitude, the Catholic community must choose peace. This is not a nice sentiment. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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