One of the hardest non-optional commands of Christ to his followers is this one from Luke Chapter 6:
“But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Christ elaborates as to why we must do this
For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit (is) that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.
While I was at mass this Sunday the unjust and infamous heavily armed raid to arrest pro-life activist Mark Houck was on my mind as was the best way to respond while not forgetting that the men who did this evil deed are loved by God beyond their own understanding. As I was considering this my priest was giving a homily on how the opposite of love was indifference.
That’s where the idea of a Novena to St. Matthew for the FBI agents came from.
A Novena is a series of prayer over nine days, unusually in honor a Saint or the Blessed Mother or the Sacred Heart etc for an intention. I thought of what I tweeted concerning agents on this raid:
Those in the agency who understand the use of the FBI as an administration’s private Gestapo against their political enemies but are afraid need to be encouraged and a novena is an excellent way of doing so.
I choose St. Matthew because as a tax collector for the Roman’s he was active in the oppression of his own people until Jesus called him and everything changed as illustrated in season one of the Chosen:
What better patron for the FBI agents in this situation?
There will be a different set of prayers each day for nine days so lets begin with Day 1
St. Matthew Novena - Day 1 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Matthew as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the devotion to You he showed from the time he chose to leave his old life behind and follow You. St. Matthew, you worked with the Roman authorities to collect taxes from the Jews. When Jesus called you to come follow Him, you immediately left behind everything in order to do so. Please bring my petitions before Christ Whom you chose to follow! You became one of Jesus’ closest friends and followers. You continued on the path of holy service to God throughout the rest of your life. Pray for me, that I may always be ready and willing to follow Christ wherever He calls me. Pray that I may seek to serve God wholeheartedly each day of my life. Please also pray for The FBI Agents involved in the Mark Houck arrest. St. Matthew, pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-matthew-novena
I think a prayer warrior like Mr. Houck would appreciate and approve of this approach.
Tomorrow Day 2.
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