Love Your Enemies…Forgive and You Will be Forgiven

Last weekend’s Gospel (Lk 6:27-38) was packed with many sayings of Jesus. A primary focus of that text was to love and forgive enemies.  It brought to mind that school shooting in an Amish School in Pennsylvania about 12 years ago.

10 girls, ages 7-11, were lined up in a classroom.  All 10 were shot by Charles Roberts, a fellow with mental problems. 5 of the girls died and 5 recuperated.  After shooting the girls, Roberts killed himself.

The day of the shooting, the grandfather of one of the girls who was killed, went to the Robert’s home to reach out to the perpetrator’s family. He understood that their family was hurting too, not only because of what Roberts’ did, but also because his family lost him.    

On the day of Roberts’ funeral, more Amish folks attended his funeral than non-Amish people. The Amish community clearly understood Jesus’ message of forgiveness.

Love your enemies…forgive and you will be forgiven. Is there someone you need to forgive?  And, if you are one of your own worst enemies, do you need to forgive yourself?