WATCHWORD:
38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’[o]39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[p]carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
Teaching about Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[q]and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![r] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[s] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:38-48
Meditation:
The Enemy Within
The scene is a room, far from the marketplace in Jerusalem. The location is shared in secret among the followers and disciples, for they are afraid of the Romans and the Pharisees. Jesus came and stood among them, saying, “do not be afraid”.
He walked around the room, showing the wounds He had suffered, in His wrists, His feet, His side. He paused at one disciple and they spoke quietly, a private conversation, then Thomas knelt, head bowed, tears in his eyes. Forgiveness.
Then Jesus spoke to those disciples, and to us, saying, “Go and forgive each other, love your enemies, pray for those who insult you, come as a child, trusting, forgiving.”
Where forgiveness is absent or in short supply, resentment grows, and slights become large, little hurts distract from love, and you find you’re carrying a burden that becomes heavier with each breath. Forgiveness is hard and it is easy. Easy? Yes. When pride is removed, and self-serving is pushed aside, forgiveness floods the void, and heals.
When the 1986 movie, The Mission, was released, it slipped into the public domain with little fanfare. Beautifully filmed in South Africa, part of the true story focusses on Mendoza, a repentant slave trader, seeking forgiveness, who accompanies a group of Jesuits returning to their mission among the Guarani. He is seen dragging a heavy bundle containing his armour and sword, repeatedly refusing any help along the way. In one climactic scene, Mendoza, on the verge of being swept away, and over the falls, is saved by natives who cut away the heavy bundle. An act of forgiveness. Mendoza is stunned, his life transformed, and eventually, he takes vows and becomes a Jesuit.
What burdens us? What happens within us when we see peaceful demonstrators being gassed, before a church in our nation’s capital? How does injustice affect you? Did something happen in church that drove you away, and you can’t forget it. Did a misunderstanding with a loved one drive a wedge in your relationship? How is your level of anger? Your ‘grudge-quotient’? What are you carrying around in that bundle, that is holding you back, that you refuse to defuse?
Most of the time breathing is a physical act, necessary for life. But, there is another breathing, a sense of being free, of not being resentful, when forgiveness is truly given and received. There is a cleansing to the act. “Forgive each other” is what our Lord tells us. It is hard and it is easy, get yourself out of the equation, set aside your pride, your grudge, your hurts, and, child of God, love your neighbor. Stan
Bulletin Board:
Troubling times abound and we need to believe even more in the Word. We all can do better than we think! Peace of Christ to you and yours. Dave/Brenda
Are there any Irish out there? — An Irish daughter had not been home for over 5 years. Upon her return, her father cussed her. “Where have ye been all this time? Why did ye not write to us, not even a line? Why didn’t ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put yer old Mother thru?” The girl, crying, replied, “I was ashamed to…Sniff, sniff….Da….I became a prostitute…” “Ye what!!? Out of here, ye shameless harlot! Sinner! You’re a disgrace to this Catholic family.” “OK, da– as ye wish. I just came back to give mum this luxurious fur coat, title deed to a new home plus a €1 million savings certificate. For me little brother, this gold Rolex. And for ye daddy, the sparkling new Mercedes limited edition convertible that’s parked outside plus a membership to the country club…..(takes a breath)…..and an invitation for ye all to spend New Year’s Eve on board my new yacht in the Riviera and… .” “Now what was it ye said ye had become?’ says dad. Girl, crying again, “Sniff, sniff….a prostitute daddy. sniff, sniff.” “Oh! Ye scared me half to death, girl! I thought ye said a Protestant. Now come here and give yer old father a hug!” Ah, forgiveness!
Closing Prayer:
Dear Merciful Lord, Thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me.
You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank you for the reminder, “Always be thankful.” With gratitude, I can draw closer to you and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude, I can see the person or situation that caused my pain as a child of the Most High God. Loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.
May the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise you for the work you are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
