Dealing with the enemy

Good News ReflectionThursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary TimeSeptember 10, 2009
Today's Readings:Col 3:12-17Ps 150:1b-6Luke 6:27-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/091009.shtmlUSCCB Podcast of the Readings:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_09_10.mp3
Dealing with the enemy
Tomorrow is the 8th anniversary of the day terrorists changed world events by attacking the U.S. At first, we didn't know who was demolishing the World Trade Towers. Newscasters compared it to the attack on Pearl Harbor; one remarked: "At least back then, we knew who our enemy was."
As Christians, we always know the identity of the enemy. As Christians, we know that the humans who behave as our enemies are really only victims and weapons of the true enemy, the Evil One and his spiritual forces of darkness. This is true whether it's the Taliban in Afghanistan or the family member who has disrupted your home.
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus gives us the weapons of war that will crush the true enemy: Love your human enemies, he said. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who attack you.
But how can love be an evil-destroying weapon?
Evil is really only a void, the absence of God, the absence of love. The void causes extreme inner discomfort, which triggers anger and hatred due to the frustration of not being loved enough. The sad irony of this is that the love that's desired now has no opportunity to fill the void. And where love is blocked, evil spreads like a poisonous weed.
But you can give love to those who are being unloving. (Remember, you have the supernatural love of God within you; rely on that!) You can do good to those who do evil. You can replace curses with blessings. And thus the void gets voided.
Jesus said, "Forgive, and you will be forgiven." No terrorist, no evil-doer of any sort, can destroy the peace that comes from being forgiven by God. When faced with a war in the world or in our homes, we find our peace by praying: "Father, forgive them, for they don't really know what they're doing. Bring all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy."
St. Paul wrote in today's first reading: "You are God's chosen ones. You are the beloved. Therefore, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy and compassion." He repeated what Jesus had said: "Forgive whatever grievances you have against others. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you."
Mercy is love that is not deserved. Forgiveness makes us merciful. When the door to love is closed, our acts of mercy deliver God's love like a secret weapon. Will it make a difference? We cannot force someone to open up to God and receive his healing and his purifying love, but by using the weapons of love that Jesus has given us, we defeat the real enemy. That definitely makes a difference, even if we don't always get to see it.
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