Dear Parishioners,
When is Enough, Enough?
As we approach the start of the Lenten season, Jesus once again challenges us to resist what impulse is telling us to do. I think we all do our best to love one
another, but we also know that it is sometimes difficult to love everyone. But that is exactly where Jesus is taking us in this Gospel. He doesn’t focus on the obvious — He knows we will do our best to help those who appreciate us or those who have always been there for us. He goes right to the source of the difficulty -- loving those who don’t love us in return.
It is human nature to feel angry when someone hurts us. As we heard last week, Jesus tells us to stop the anger at its roots, before it becomes an action. He warns us not to let the anger lead you to a place where you do not want to be.
Jesus is giving us almost the same advice in this week’s Gospel. His message:
- Don’t seek comfort in revenge
- Return hurt with kindness
- Give help to those who cannot repay you, and do it with all your heart.
As difficult as this may be, if we pursue this path, the hurt will dissolve and our hearts will feel a freedom that is hard to imagine. Jesus never said it would be easy -- but we know His ways will always lead us to where He needs us to be.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito