Are We Prepared to Love Our Enemy?

In the Light of the World  column of the Catholic Times the columnist brings to our attention a teaching we would prefer not to know.

"We are called to be places of peace in society. It is up to us to overcome fear and create a tomorrow filled with brotherhood. I ask in the name of God that we cherish every moment of life" ( Prayers of Hope with Pope Francis)

 

Balance between prayer and activity You probably know the story of Mary and Martha. (Luke 10:38-42) It is the story of two sisters, Mary, who loved the word of the Lord and stuck close to Him, and Martha, who was busy serving Him. Mary has symbolized prayer and contemplation, and Martha has symbolized activity and service. However, the key is that the roles of the two  be harmonious. Harmony between prayer and activity is very important. Activities without prayer can lose their spiritual value and become preoccupied with worldly affairs, and can also lead to exhaustion both in work and human relationships.

 

Prayer without activity can also lead to ignoring reality or becoming indifferent to neighbors and the community, and can be out of sync with the teachings of faith that require us to take up the cross and love our neighbors. Harmony between the two is very important not only for individuals, but also within society. Both are pillars that support society.

 

Vicious cycle of violence–– The Russian-Ukrainian war has been going on for two years. And recently, in modern society where science, technology, culture, and intelligence have blossomed to their peak, we are clearly seeing surprise attacks being carried out, innocent people being killed, and even hostages being taken. Of course, the conflict between Israel and Palestine stems from a long history of conflict in which it is difficult to regard either side as a one sided victim.

 

However, what is surprising is that these two countries are countries with greater religious zeal than most other nations. So why doesn't war and violence stop? Of course, we know that forgiveness is not that easy. Is it because there is no word about forgiveness in their scriptures? It's not  that. Perhaps it's because it's difficult to overcome the hurt and pain we've experienced in the past. However, if forgiveness is impossible, the vicious cycle of violence will repeat.

Fruit of spirituality, love for enemies—He mentioned earlier the balance between prayer and activity. Prayer means spirituality, and its core is love for enemies. Of course, this spirituality must be carried out along with activities that promote social justice, give priority to the weak, and pursue the common good, and not only in places where war is taking place, but also in each person's life. Therefore, love for one's neighbors must include even enemies  and should imitate the love for enemies and self-sacrifice shown by Jesus.

War and the sacrifice of innocent people must stop.  Worldwide attention and prayers are urgently needed. In addition, we must all live out the spirituality for reconciliation, forgiveness, and love for enemies in our daily lives through a balance between prayer and activity, and bear the fruits of that spirituality.

 

 "Even if our neighbor is our enemy, we must love him with the same love that the Lord loves him. And one must be prepared to make sacrifices for him, even the ultimate sacrifice, the sacrifice of one's life for one's brother" (Summary Social Doctrine, paragraph 196).