These are times that test Christians. And I think the only way to pass the test and to overcome what we face is to get down on our knees. We need this every day, starting right now. Granted, a case can be made that all times test Christians.  We are not of this world. As we try to follow all that Jesus taught, as we strive to be saints, this world shows us well-traveled roads which seem so much more enticing. We are captivated by materialism, selfishness, ambition, glory, lust, revenge and hatred.

Then there is Jesus, our role model, whose teachings are so counter-cultural, so radical in telling us: “You cannot serve God and money. … Don’t worry about what you will eat or drink or wear. God will provide. … Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Take up your cross and follow me. … Blessed are the poor, the hungry, those who weep. … I am the way, the truth and the life.”

That’s some tough stuff. If that’s a blueprint for sainthood and the way to get into heaven, well then, Okay, I’ll do my best. But Lord, Where’s the eye-for-an-eye, tooth-for-a-tooth part? I mean, that’s in the Bible. I know it is. When we think about all the stuff happening in the world – Islamic extremists terrorizing entire parts of the planet, disturbing mass shootings in Paris, San Bernardino and Colorado Springs, senseless killings by drug gangs in Mexico and Central American countries, inner-city violence in our country – shouldn’t we seek such justice?

Then, we run into Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 5: 38-44

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.”

Last month, at least one hundred and thirty  people were killed in seven coordinated terror attacks in Paris. Love your enemies. Almost two weeks ago, three people were murdered in an evil shooting at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs. Love your enemies. Last week, fourteen people were killed by two people in a frightening attack on a holiday party in California. Love your enemies. Almost 3,000 Americans were killed on September 11, 2001. No one knows for certain how many victims there have been around the world from the violent hatred of Al Qaeda, ISIS and other groups that want to kill, people who discriminately gun down people during church services or take out civilians as suicide-bombers. Pray for those who persecute you.

Really Jesus? How can you even hint at asking that, much less demanding it? These people seem the very personification of evil. The victims so often are innocent: women and children, unarmed and non-threatening, good people. The killers are bad people. Really. They are.

Yet … Jesus died on the cross for them as well as for me. When Jesus talked about laying down his life for a friend, that friendship extended to every human soul, “for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love only those who love you, what reward will you get?”

In the wake of so much distress and despair last week, a friend sent me a copy of this prayer:

Lord, please be with my enemies today as they make decisions. I ask that you would bring them your thoughts so that they can see and evaluate their life situations through your wisdom. I ask that you would help them to clearly hear your thoughts on what they should do today and every day.

Guide them to recognize the right decision every time. I pray that they will realize the lightness of heart that they can have if they will do the right thing. I pray that they will realize the relief that they can have when they do the right thing. Rescue them from being unkind today. Urge them not to sin against anyone this day. Heal the wounds inside of them that pressure them to hurt others. Bring them thoughts that would help to soften their heart toward you and your will for them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

There can be power in that prayer beyond anything we imagine. The time to pray it is now. Every day. On our knees.

Mike Eisenbath has been married to Donna for 30 years; they have four adult children and two grandsons. He was an award-winning sportswriter for 23 years, including 18 at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch with duties that included covering the St. Louis Cardinals and Major League Baseball. Severe depression forced him out of that career. He continues to write, with a monthly column in the St. Louis Review, his www.eisenbath.com website and several other Catholic websites featuring reflections on topics such as his faith and mental illness. Mike is a frequent speaker and radio guest involving those subjects. Among his three books is Hence My Eyes Are Turned Toward You: Confronting Depression With Faith and the Prayer of Jehoshaphat. He also is in formation with the Secular Carmelites.

One Reply to “A Radical Choice: Get On Our Knees”

  1. There is this article you wrote that talks about being called to be a Catholic writer not just any kind of writer. I always felt I’m a writer myself because I’ve always written short stories and poems since I was like in the 3rd grade. I just never liked deadlines or being rushed for that matter. I have to be inspired to write – not something that I can do like a routine because when I did that for a creative writing class – I went completely blank by midterms >.<
    I only write in my journal for example when I'm motivated, inspired or anything else that is exciting, emotional, sad – confusing etc…I can write about the different passions or interests like in Classic Literature but other things not so much… I pray like I write though…in short bursts when I most motivated after Mass. I go to Mass mostly because of all the bible classes, prayer groups or other volunteer activities I still do on a day by day basis inevitably lead me to go to Mass daily. My encounter with Christ during a Parish Mission moved me so much to be quite involved in the church. I struggle a lot of with prayer and I don't know- I guess I just need time to grow into it you know… Great article! 😀

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