February 19

February 19 - St. Conrad of Piacenza

Jesus said to his disciples: "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 bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5: 43-48).

This is one of the toughest passages of the Gospel to live. It also proves that Christ was God and man because no mere man would ever teach something like this. Ask for the strength to never wish evil on anyone.

Lord, this is a tough one and I need your grace to live it.

Impact Sports: Have I developed the habit of reviewing how I practice each day, so I am constantly improving?

Impact Life: Do I know how to forgive those who have hurt me or made fun of me?