This Sunday - Jesus presents his teaching on non-violence and love of enemies - non-violence - taught by Jesus and many great teachers - like Ghandi - Jesus urges us to make our world a better place by the way in which we treat others - even those who may be violent - even to ourselves - with Jesus we are asked to hold back - this is not a silly approach to relations with the difficult people of this world - it is a time for us to step up and make the world a better place - by refusing to become violent in action or word.
And to love enemies - I recently heard of a statement by Don Samuel Ruiz - the recently deceased Bishop of Southern Mexico - who in working hard for the indigenous people of his diocese and in doing he upset many in the formal government - once asked how he dealt with Jesus challenge to love your enemies - he said "I have no enemies - there are many who wish to make me their enemy - but I have no enemies" He looked at his relations with others and was able to say that he truly did not consider anyone his enemy - can you say the same.
With the Holy Spirit - we can be the kind of Christian that can change the world - by removing from our relationships and our community anything that involves violence - and hatred. May you be that kind of person.
