Back on Ash Wednesday, I preached a little homily about penance, and suggested some things we might do during that penitential season of Lent besides simply giving up chocolate.

I mentioned praying for strangers, praying for those we don’t even like, even praying for our enemies. And in an off-handed way, I asked, “When was the last time any of us prayed for Osama Bin Laden?”

Well, you could hear the gasps around the church. Several people in the first pews actually physically recoiled. And after mass, one woman said to me, “I’ll never do that. I’m not that holy.”

Well, neither am I. But shouldn’t we try? The gospel mandate seems fairly clear to me — love your enemies, pray for your persecutors — and no less a figure than Christ himself prayed for his Father to forgive those who killed him.

Which brings me, improbably enough, to Ted Kennedy.

Two terrific bloggers, The Anchoress and Julie at Happy Catholic are tackling the subject of praying for those we don’t particularly like. They both offer ample food for thought. This is something far too many of us disregard or dismiss. “You want me to pray for HIM?” Well, yes. Jesus says as much. And that sense of prayerful duty and empathy — and even, yes, love — is one of the great hallmarks of our faith.

It is love Christ gave to us all, and asked us to share with all, as well.

Even our enemies.

Yeah, I know. I’m not that holy. But I can try. That’s why we are “practicing” Catholics. We keep practicing and hope one day to get it right.

UPDATE: You can also add to the list of people blogging on this subject Rod Dreher at Beliefnet — who reports on some of the reaction he got when he had the nerve to suggest that people pray for Ted Kennedy. Egad. See how these Christians loathe one another…