It just might be Jesus’ hardest teaching: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who cure you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

No Catholic martyr ever died hurling threats of vengeance toward their murder. Receiving grace – God’s power – these friends of God internalized Jesus’ teaching, showing us that His words can be lived, however difficult it remains doing so.

The ultimate Christian standard of love is possible only because God first us given us His grace – His power – and made us His children.  God is love. We are to practice daily what Jesus has first done for us: ““Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Only with God’s help are we able to take to heart His command to love everyone.