Liturgical Day: Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51:3-6,11,16; Matthew 5:43-48
Source: USCCB Daily Readings
God’s mercy reaches repentant hearts and widens our own. Today’s readings call us to turn from sin, pray for those who are difficult to love, and reflect the Father’s generous mercy.
The Word
Ahab’s sin is exposed, and his humbling is seen by the Lord. Psalm 51 gives words of repentance and a plea for mercy. In the Gospel, Jesus commands love for enemies and prayer for persecutors.
Readings: 1 Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51:3-6, 11, 16; Matthew 5:43-48
Source Link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061626.cfm
Reflection
Ahab’s sin is exposed, yet his humbling shows that God’s mercy can still reach a hardened heart. The Lord does not ignore injustice, but he also sees repentance when it begins to stir, however imperfectly.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This love is not sentimental. It is the difficult grace of refusing hatred, entrusting judgment to God, and allowing the Father’s mercy to widen our hearts.
Today, the readings invite us to repentance and generous love. We ask forgiveness where we have wounded others, and we ask grace to pray for those who have wounded us. The Father’s love is wider than our comfort zone.
Call to Action
Pray sincerely for one person you find difficult to love.
Prayer
Father, widen my heart. Lead me to repentance and teach me to love with the mercy you have shown me. Amen.
