The most powerful weapon
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. Our thoughts can easily convince us that we aren’t good enough or smart enough or strong enough. To love others, we must learn to love ourselves first. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Notice the command begins with love. Love is a prayer offered to God to help us know that we are loved and that we are called to share that love with others. The most powerful weapon that we will always have is love. In all situations love conquers evil.
In our everyday work at Catholic Charities, we have a choice. We can choose to love the person in front of us who is wishing us ill will because of the situation they are in. We can choose to love even when someone has betrayed us. We can choose love when someone spews hateful words at us. We can choose love when someone disrespects us. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can find a way to love others in the most difficult of situations.
During this season of Lent, may we all follow the commands of Jesus, but mainly the command to love one another. Let us remember that love is at the heart of our service at Catholic Charities. May our connection to the heart of Jesus lead us to show others that they are loved as well. May this Lenten season strengthen our commitment to be intentional about how we share this love with others, especially those who do not recognize or know the power of God’s amazing love.
Cynthia Quintanilla, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock, Texas, enjoys writing reflections during Advent and Lent.