Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Yesterday, Jesus spoke about the dangers of anger. Today, he challenges us even further: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” He reminds us that it is easy to love those who are lovable. But discipleship demands more.
Jesus calls us to a higher standard: “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
In this life, we strive—by God’s grace—to overcome sin. We know that we are not perfect now. Complete perfection will only come in heaven, where we hope to be saints. That is the fulfillment we long for.
In the meantime, and especially during Lent, we pray an act of contrition: “O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all, because they have offended you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly intend, with the help of your grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.” Or put more simply, “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”