"The Call #9"

You Want Me to Pray for My Enemies? (God's Love/Mercy)

Jonah (Please read Jonah 1:1-16;4:1-4)

          "For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world" (Chaplet of Divine Mercy-St. Faustina). The whole (entire) world--not just our family and friends--the whole world. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:27, "Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you." Long before these words were proclaimed, we read the story of Jonah. The Lord said, "Go to Nineveh, the great city, and speak out against it...however, Jonah didn't agree and set out in the opposite direction." Run, Jonah, run--into the storm, into the belly of the great fish and finally--salvation. "Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah up" (Jonah 2:10). 

          Our Lord never gives up on His children (Jonah, prodigal son, lost sheep, etc.) Jonah stands convicted. No longer does he rebel. He obeys and his obedience allows God's love and mercy to save the many innocent in Nineveh. God's ways are above our ways--love your enemies as yourself. I have often been repulsed by what others do or say. The Lord has convicted me not to hate but to pray--pray for their souls. 

 Questions:

1)   Do you have the conviction to pray for all of God's people--friends and foes alike?

2)   Prayer changes things (and people as well). Will you choose one of the "lost sheep" and pray for that person?