and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father-- Mt 5:43-48
Christian prayer extends to the forgiveness of enemies, transfiguring the disciple by configuring him to his Master. Forgiveness is a high-point of Christian prayer; only hearts attuned to God's compassion can receive the gift of prayer. Forgiveness also bears witness that, in our world, love is stronger than sin. The martyrs of yesterday and today bear this witness to Jesus. Forgiveness is the fundamental condition of the reconciliation of the children of God with their Father and of men with one another.
-- CCC 2844
Photo by AP: Pope John Paul II meets his would-be assassin in Agca's prison cell in Rome in December 1983
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