It is probable that most of us do not have enemies as such. Often it is more the case that some people annoy us and we are tempted to strike back with some unkind words. In her autobiography The Story of a Soul St Teresa of Lisieux tells how she recognised a moment of grace in the convent laundry, when a fellow nun constantly splashed her with water. She recalls how she was tempted to show her irritation but restrained herself and did not complain. Political and business leaders are more likely to have enemies, because there will power struggles that will cause them to clash. In today’s gospel we have the example of David, who resisted the opportunity to kill Saul, even though his life had been threatened by the king.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. These could include the people who annoy us, those we don’t like and those who have hurt us badly. Forgiveness is difficult and sometimes takes time but it provides a release from angry, resentful feelings. There is another aspect to doing good to those who hate us, as President Lincoln discovered. He appointed men to his cabinet who had opposed or reviled him, knowing that he needed them. He was embracing the difference and finding new perspectives.
Christianity is challenging. It is easy to be good to our family and friends, who love us, but we are a community of brothers and sisters and nobody can be excluded from it, for it is the Body of Christ.