Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." (Lk. 6:27)

This is the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time.  Christ gives us clear teaching on how far our charity must go.  The early Christians were attracted to the Church because of love.  It goes without saying the state of things today.  Even those who consider themselves followers of Christ will say without flinching that they hate someone.  When we look at Christ, we find him forgiving even those who nailed him to the cross.

What we cannot do on our own, we must turn to our Lord for his help and example.  There will be human reasons which justify why we feel hurt or have received unjust treatment.  The mercy of the heavenly Father is shown to the just and the unjust.  Praying and sending blessings to those who have harmed us is truly Christian.  

Questions for Reflection: 

• Do I show compassion to everyone like Christ? 
• Am I aware that many times the hurt we feel has been unintentional? 
• Does the reality that I also have blind spots help me forgive the frailty of others?