Sept. 10, 2015 Thursday: 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Sept. 10, 2015 Thursday: 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
[Jesus said] “Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.” LUKE 6:35
Jesus knows our human tendency to harbor grudges, harm others with our words and actions, hold on to our possessions, and give with strings attached. He knows we can be hate-filled, sneering, greedy, and grasping. Yet he also knows our goodness and has confidence in our ability to learn the way of gratitude, compassion, and unconditional love. He knows we are up to the challenge of loving our enemies, doing good, and giving freely without expectations. In any given moment we might think it’s easier to hold on to resentment and continue regarding someone as an enemy.
It does take a lot of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical energy to deliberately choose to treat those who have hurt us with kindness, respect, and compassion. Yet as we dare to let go of our grudges and enmities, we find that we feel less burdened. Letting go of the wounds of the past allows us to live freely and joyfully in the present.
Rev. Warren J. Savage & Mary Ann McSweeny
