Matthew Petesch on St. John Berchmans and Praying for People Who Annoy Us

"I recently stumbled upon an article on Aleteia, in which the author, Joanne McPortland, proposes making a list of our enemies and intentionally praying for them every day. This isn't a radically new idea, but it is a radical practice that transforms us into people of mercy. As McPortland puts it, 'It changes how we see, transforming enemies into beloved sisters and brothers.' By petitioning our heavenly Father on behalf of those who wrong us, we become like Christ who utters from the cross, 'Father forgive them, they know not what they do' (Lk 23:34). We begin to see our enemies as beloved brothers and sisters precisely because we see them through the eyes of Christ.

"It is this transformative vision that St. John Berchmans embodied during his brief life. He, like McPortland, compiled a list of individuals for whom he would pray, but he took it a step further. He also praised God for a specific quality that each person possessed. Through this practice, St. John Berchmans taught himself to see God in every person, even those who might annoy him."

In a recent commentary, writer Matthew Petesch reflected on this quality of Saint John Berchmans.

To access Mr. Petesch's complete post, please visit:

Mountain Catholic: A Lesson in Loving Our Neighbor From St. John Berchmans (7 JUL 16)