Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, as Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

The Gospel of Christ is challenging. Today’s readings ask for decisions, while encouraging us to choose the right path. We gather to worship God, who can help us in all our choices.

In today’s liturgy, we hear that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Rejoicing in this calling, we praise God who sustains us all our days.