Scripture
Luke 6:27-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
Love Your Enemies?
“Love your enemies.”
Jesus, did you really say that? Did you really mean it?... I know, I know. But I don’t want to!
Jesus and I have been having this conversation for years. I would rather complain about my enemies, track their offenses, and wait for them to change.
Jesus says, “love… do good to… bless.... pray for.”
Note that he doesn’t instruct us to like, approve of, agree with, or condone our enemies. In fact, his examples of cheeks and cloaks are culturally-specific acts of defiance that turn a mirror on the other and publicly call attention to the harm being done.
Jesus was teaching and preaching in a particular time, place, and culture. And, we believe that his living word speaks truth to us now.
What laws, practices, or codes might Jesus highlight today?
What harm is Jesus inviting me to creatively resist?
What enemies can I pray for today?
—Lauren Hackman-Brooks is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator and writer who currently serves as the director of mission formation for the Jesuit Schools Network of North America.
Ignatian Prayer
Sep 10, 2026
Prayer
God of unconditional Love,
It is much easier to love the people who love us back or those who value what we value.
It is much harder to love those who hate us or those who hate what we believe to be truth, love, and goodness.
In Jesus, You showed us what human love can look like.
Help us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who mistreat us. (Pause to bring those people to mind.)
Give us the courage to resist the hurts and harms that go against Your dreams for Your people and Your creation.
Give us the grace - because we can’t do it on our own - to love like You.
Amen.
—Lauren Hackman-Brooks
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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