Becoming Sons

Sed dicit aliquis, grandis labor est inimicos diligere, pro presecutoribus supplicare. Nec nos negamus, fratres, non parvus quidem labor est in hoc saeculo, sed grande erit praemium in futuro; per amorem enim unius hominis inimici efficieris amicus Dei, imo non solum amicus, sed etiam filius, sicut ipse Dominus dicit, 'Diligite inimicos vestros, benefacite iis qui oderunt  vos, ut sitis filii Patris vestri qui in coelis est.' Sanctus Maximus Taurinensis, Homilia LXIV Source: Migne PL 57.382

But some say that it is a great labour to love enemies and to pray for persecutors. I do not deny it, brothers. It is not a little task in this world, but it gains great reward in the future, for indeed by the love of one man who is an enemy you are made a friend of God, and not only a friend, but even a son, as the Lord himself says, 'Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you, that you be sons of your Father who is in heaven.' 1 Saint Maximus of Turin, from Homily 64 1. Lk 6.35