In a few weeks, our family will celebrate our youngest child’s second birthday. He was born with a rare craniofacial condition which affected the development of the bones of his head and face. He has had multiple surgeries to give his brain room to grow and allow him to breathe. Despite all his early health challenges, he is an inquisitive, happy toddler who loves books, cars, and Cheetos.

The medical aspects of our son’s condition are challenging, but the social stigma of a facial deformity is what we struggle with the most. Stares, sideways glances, whispered comments, and, unfortunately, name-calling, occur often and each encounter breaks our already broken hearts. Of course, not all are meant to be malicious, but as a mother I cannot help but feel persecuted by people who become fixated on my son’s outward appearance without seeing the beautiful child within.

Yet in this Gospel, Jesus says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus seems to be giving me an impossible task that goes against my human nature. How can I pray for those who have hurt me—or my son—most?

I don’t have the answer to this question. But I do believe that praying for those who hurt us and those we love can help us to let go of our anger and find the healing grace of forgiveness. Through prayer, we may also come to realize another’s perspective and see our own failures and need for forgiveness. I know there are times when I, too, have judged on appearances or said unkind words. Prayer can bring God’s love into my heart as well as those of my enemies.

In his perfect act of love, Jesus prayed on the cross for those who crucified him—shouldn’t we be able to do the same for those who “crucify” us?