In this week's Gospel lesson from Matthew, we hear Jesus telling us to 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'.  Doesn't this fly in the face of human nature and cause us to bristle?  The ancient Code of Hammurabi stated 'an eye for an eye' and into a culture with that mentality, Jesus brought a new message.  Not of vengeance but of Love.  How is this possible?  How do we love our enemies?  How do we pray for those who persecute us?                                                           

                As a younger Christian, I remember praying for my enemies to stop being mean to me - but that was still about me.  When we are able to unseat ourselves from the center of our own universes, we begin to be able to see others as children of God.  And, God said we are good from our creation.                          

                Another ancient text, the Didache, added another dimension to Jesus' words, "Love your enemies and fast for those who persecute you".  Imagine not only praying for your persecutors but fasting as an act of sacrifice on their behalf?  Jesus also tells us to give to others; another cheek, a coat, a cloak, a second mile.  Praying and fasting and for others allows us to remove ourselves from the equation and make room for the mediator to step in.  Doing so brings our brothers and sisters in Christ into his eternal Love and care.  And allows us the freedom to give of what we have to those who have need.  Look at our Cloak, Backpack Ministry, Epiphany Soup Kitchen, and food collections.  We do give of what we have.  God, give us the strength to love, pray and fast for others also.