# Novena for Faithful Citizenship – Day Six
*2008-10-16*

> Bill Young reflects on Matthew 5:43‑46, exploring how we can love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, and offers a prayer for peace and justice in the world.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

## Scripture Reading

Today's reading is Matthew 5:43‑46: “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. For he makes his sun rise on the good and the bad, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have?”

## Reflection

Who are our enemies? How are we to love them? Jesus challenges us to a Christian lifestyle rooted in love that extends even to those who hurt us. This love is not sentimental; it is a radical call to pray for our persecutors and to seek reconciliation, trusting that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.

## Prayer for Peace and Justice

God of peace, give us the courage to be reconciled with our neighbors and our enemies. Grant us the vision to truly understand what it means to be Christian, that peace and justice may rule in our world. Amen.

## Novena Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us conquer the menace of evil that takes root in the hearts of people today and weighs down our world. Deliver us from famine, war, nuclear devastation, and all forms of self‑destruction. Deliver us from sin against human life, from hatred, and from any assault on the dignity of the children of God. Deliver us from injustice, both national and international, and from the trampling of God’s commandments. Protect us from strife in human hearts, from loss of awareness of good and evil, and from sins against the Holy Spirit. Accept, O Mother of Christ, the suffering of each individual and of whole societies. With the power of the Holy Spirit, help us conquer all sin—personal and communal—in all its manifestations. May the infinite saving power of redemption and merciful love put a stop to evil and transform our consciousness.

*Loving our enemies and praying for them is the true mark of faithful citizenship.*