MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 16 JUNE
June 16, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
16 JUNE, 2026
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this Gospel, Jesus calls us to a love that goes beyond human instincts and expectations. It is easy to love those who are kind to us, support us, and share our values. But Jesus invites His disciples to something far greater: to love even those who oppose, hurt, or misunderstand them.
This command does not mean approving of wrongdoing or pretending that wounds do not exist. Rather, it means refusing to allow hatred, resentment, or revenge to take root in our hearts. Jesus teaches us to pray for those who hurt us because prayer opens our hearts to God’s mercy and allows His grace to heal our pain.
The Father loves all His children and pours out His blessings on both the good and the bad. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect that same generous and unconditional love. The measure of Christian holiness is not how we treat our friends, but how we respond to those who challenge us.
Loving our enemies is one of the clearest signs that Christ is living within us. When we choose forgiveness over bitterness, kindness over hostility, and prayer over anger, we become witnesses to the transforming power of God’s love.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me with a love that is patient, merciful, and unconditional. Help me to follow the example of Jesus and to love not only those who love me, but also those who are difficult to love.
Give me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me and to pray sincerely for those who oppose me. Remove bitterness, anger, and resentment from my heart, and fill me instead with Your compassion and peace.
Teach me to reflect Your goodness in my words, thoughts, and actions. May I grow each day in holiness and become more like Your Son, who loved even His enemies and gave His life for the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
