How do I respond to those who are not nice to me? In other words, do I turn the other cheek? Do I go the extra mile? Do I love those who persecute me? Sad to say, most of us do not. We’re human. The usual response is to respond, to fight back, to tell people where to go and how to get there. But Jesus has a different approach: love your enemies, pray for those who persecute, and be perfect as God is perfect.
In the first reading, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to be holy as God is holy and to love one’s neighbors as oneself. In these readings we have the greatest commandment: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Love is at the center of our being and acting.
For your reflection this week, do some analysis as to how you respond to those who are the yahoos in your life. Do you react negatively, or do you try to see them as God does and love them as God loves them? When we begin to think with the mind of God and act accordingly, then we are on the road to perfection and holiness.
Have a great week,
Msgr. John