Clair was 76 years old when she died peacefully from cancer in her husband’s arms surrounded by her family. There was one important person missing. One of her sons.
Throughout her life Clair had one daughter and three sons. One of her sons, Thomas, started drifting away from the family shortly after being married. Thomas’ appeared to have changed overnight for the worse. He and his new family did not attend family gatherings and soon he started to blame his personal problems on his mother, father, and siblings. Clair soon learned that the woman he married was very manipulative, dealt with several mental challenges, and had a shady past. For Thomas it was too late.
I’ve known Clair since 2009 up until her death in 2015. My heart broke that Thomas didn’t even attend or acknowledge his own mother’s funeral. It’s hard to fathom a mother’s broken heart in the last moments of her life knowing that her family is broken and unable to reconcile.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus gives a very challenging commandment. Jesus says, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. ” I can’t help thinking of how God’s heart breaks when he looks upon our world’s brokenness. It’s astounding how far we have lost our way. Never mind loving our enemies, we have trouble loving our neighbours or the people who we share a roof with. Many have rejected God and retreated into tribes to fill that longing for a transcendent purpose.
To love someone doesn’t mean they have to be part of your tribe or even have cosy feelings towards them. It simply means to want what is best for them. This simple change in our hearts can filter a lot of envy out of hearts and help us see our “enemies” as God sees them.
I’m going to finish with a quote from the apostle Paul: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” Clearly our “wisdom” has failed us. Perhaps it’s time to start taking Jesus’ commandment more seriously more seriously.
Let us pray,
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, we bless your holy name. We pray to never cease being aware of your presence. Thank you for your mercy, Lord. I pray you will transform my broken desires and lead me to a new life. Help me to emulate your mercy towards others, especially those whom you placed in my life. As parents have compassion for their children, have compassion on us, Lord, and through your Holy Spirit guide us closer to the Sacred Heart of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.