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MYSTERY OF SALVATION

FRANCISCAN VIRTUES
LOVING OUR ENEMIES

By Brother Patrick

Since the thirteenth century, an enemy has been defined as a hostile, unfriendly, or adversarial relationship. During the lifetime of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), an enemy also could be defined as an unbeliever or opponent of God and his people. Nevertheless, the scriptures are clear. Just as we are called to love our neighbor, we are called to love our enemy.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “You have heard it 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 (Matthew 5:43-44).” In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).”

In the Letter to the Romans, Saint Paul writes: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Rather, be concerned about doing what is good in the eyes of all. As much as possible, and to the extent of your ability, live in peace with everyone. Never seek revenge (Romans 12:17-19).” Saint Paul then writes: “Do not be overcome by evil. Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).”

The scriptures teach us that evil cannot be conquered by more evil, by making more enemies. The scriptures teach us that hatred, racism, resentment, and violence cannot be undone by revenge or retaliation. Tit for tat, getting even, holding a grudge, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth are never plans for peace. They are never the way to mutual respect and support. They are always the way to mutually assured destruction.

Pope Leo XIV says: “Whatever the wound, whatever the offense, we must not allow evil to disfigure our humanity (8-29-26).” As Christians, we are not called into battle to wield the weapons of war. We are called into the vineyard to work with the instruments of peace: prayer, fasting, almsgiving, kind words, good works, and helping hands. We are called to sow the seeds of peace, truth, justice, fraternity, and solidarity.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us that we are all God’s children. Think of the best person you know. Think of the worst person you know. Then look into the mirror and face the biggest sinner you will ever know.

Each of us has the freedom to choose friendship or animosity. Each of us has the freedom to choose acceptance or rejection. Each of us has the freedom to choose love or hatred. But these are eternal truths: God offers his love and mercy to all people. God offers his closeness, compassion, and tenderness to all people everywhere. Good people. Bad people. Sinful people. Brothers and sisters all.

Jesus says: “[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil people as well as those who are good, and his rain falls on both the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 4:45).” Love your neighbor. Love your enemy. Love everyone in between. Why? God commands it. God calls us to love. God calls us to follow in the footsteps of his Beloved Son.

In thought, word, and deed, saints teach us how to be good, kind, and holy. In thought, word, and deed, repentant sinners teach us how to be humble, sorrowful, and ready for new life. In thought, word, and deed, our enemies teach us how to suffer, persevere, and exercise patience. Our enemies teach us a valuable skill: how to carry the cross.

In the Early Rule, Saint Francis writes: “Let us pay attention to what the Lord says. Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you for our Lord Jesus Christ, whose footprints we must follow, who called his betrayer a friend, and who willingly offered himself to his executioners. Our friends, therefore, are all those who unjustly inflict upon us distress and anguish, shame and injury, sorrow and punishment, martyrdom and death. We must love them greatly for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring us (Chapter 22).”

In today’s world, we cultivate enemies. Men and women. Old and young. White people and people of color. Celtics and Sixers. Red Sox and Yankees. Red States and blue states. Conservatives and liberals. Traditionalists and progressives. Christians and Muslims. Israelis and Palestinians. The enemies list, it seems, is endless. Compromise and understanding are dirty words. Revenge is the currency of the realm. Social media platforms, once touted as a way of bringing people together, are now tearing people apart. But the remedy is simple. Love. Always love.

Pope Francis (1936-2025) once asked: “How can we love those who bomb and kill so many people? How can we love those who out of love for money keep medicine away from sick people in need? How can we love those who seek only power and self-interest, who do so much evil? Loving our enemies is the mystery of salvation. By loving and forgiving our enemies, we become poor. But in this poverty is a seed that bears fruit for others (6-18-13).” Seeds of love. Seeds of peace. Seeds of fraternity. Adversaries and enemies may be part of our lives. Embrace them in prayer, anyway. Forgive them, anyway. Love them, anyway.

Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! Pope Francis, pray for us!

Art Credit: Saint Francis Preaches to the People by Jose Benlliure – Wikimedia

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THE ASSISI PROJECT
A FELLOWSHIP OF FRANCISCANS IN SPIRIT
INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY

Members of the Assisi Project, ranging in age from 18 to 102, pray each and every day for all who ask for our prayers. If you would like our fellowship to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. In communion with Pope Leo XIV and in solidarity with people of faith and goodwill everywhere, we also pray for peace, truth, and justice. In addition, we pray for all migrants and refugees; for the courage to speak truth to power; and for the poor, the persecuted, and the unjustly imprisoned. Please join us in prayer by clicking the link below! Thank you for your prayers! May God bless you! May the Risen Lord give you peace!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brother Patrick Garvey is co-founder and spiritual director of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. He is a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and university lecturer. He also serves as an Associate Minister in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts. On October 3, 2023, the Feast of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Patrick was consecrated as a diocesan hermit by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston with the blessing of Cardinal Sean O’Malley. For more information about the Assisi Project and our good work with adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.

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ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers throughout the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are also dedicated to promoting a devotion to Pope Francis (1936-2025) as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our sick and suffering world.

The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. Please support our ministry via Pay Pal (see link below) or mail a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. The Assisi Project Podcast is produced by the Assisi Project, Inc. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. May the Lord give you peace!

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