Our only vengeance as followers of Jesus Christ is to love more and serve more, especially those who are harming us. This is an imitation of Jesus, Who died to save those who kept hurting Him. When St. Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus did not punish Peter or take revenge on him. Instead, Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?" Jesus responded to injury by loving even more.
This is how Jesus responds to us. We have sinned against Him, but He loves us even more (see Rm 5:8; cf 1 Jn 4:10). He pursues, allures, and woos us (see Hos 2:16ff). He takes us into the desert, that is, He strips away all we depend on, in hopes of increasing the chances that we will turn to Him. This is His special "vengeance" (Rm 12:19-21).
If you have loved ones whom you are trying to lead to the Lord, be encouraged. Jesus wants them to come to Him much more than you do. He will love them more and more. Let us imitate Jesus by responding to insult and harm by increasing our love.
| PRAYER: | Father, touch me so deeply within that I am impelled to respond to injury with Your steadfast love (see 2 Cor 5:14). |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness." –Ps 145:8 |
| PRAISE: | St. Maria, a virgin martyr, was canonized on June 25, 1950. In one of the most unique ceremonies in Church history, it was attended by both her aged mother and Maria's repentant murderer, whom she forgave before she died. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College