February 28, 2026
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48
A Counsel to Upright Conduct

Today is the Saturday of the First Week of Lent. The Gospel passage continues Jesus’ counsel on the conduct of Christians.

In life, it is difficult to avoid living in isolation, and even more so to refrain from relating to others, for human beings are not meant to be solitary. When we interact with others, we often follow the logic of the world and its laws. The law of the world is this: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; love your neighbour and hate your enemy.

We have all received Christian Baptism and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God. So, what should we do in the face of enemies, or those who persecute us? Jesus tells us: “Love your enemies, 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 sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous”(cf. Mt 5:44-45).

Perhaps we find this almost impossible. We feel it is impossible because we struggle to set aside our own positions, humble ourselves, and choose to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us—just as Jesus Christ did. Let us consider how Jesus acted. When He was crucified, He prayed to the Father: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”(cf. Lk 23:34). Through receiving Christian Baptism, we are united with Christ; thus, we must love our enemies and pray always for those who harm us, just as Christ did.

Even more, we must love our neighbours from the depths of our hearts—including brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, no longer associate with us. We must take the initiative to reconcile with those who have been hurt in body or spirit by our bad example and sin against God, so that they may see again the merciful face of the heavenly Father through our actions. In this way, we become perfect.

Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father,
and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary
and carrying out works of charity,
we may be dedicated to your worship.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica