Love Your Enemies

(Matthew 5:44)

Did he really say that? Never despise
our enemies? Give love to those who hate,
who injure, sabotage, or vandalize,
who curse, demean us, and humiliate?
Yes, he turns the world upside-down:
no “eye for an eye,” but “blessed are the meek”
who fortify themselves with grace to drown
their angry rage and turn the other cheek.
“Love your enemies” commandeth the Lord,
Don’t plot against them, hate, or condemn,
for human vengeance merits no reward.
Instead, do good to them. And pray for them.
And love them in your pains, in your disgrace,
even when they spit into your face.

William Baer
from Psalter, A Sequence of Catholic Sonnets

Blue Roofs, Blue Sea, White Walls - Oia, Santorini Greece, Geee Kay