|
Daily Reflection for Monday, June 13, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends, and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061322.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16
Responsorial: Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil .” John 10:4b
The reading in 1 Kings shows how people get caught up in evil. Ahab wants to own Naboth’s field and slips into depression when he can’t acquire what he wants. Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, sets an evil plan in motion that will destroy Naboth and gain the field for her husband. Many people get caught up in this evil scheme: Naboth, Ahab, Jezebel, city elders and nobles, the scoundrels who accuse Naboth, the people who stone him, Naboth’s family, and all who witnessed the drama. The web of evil spreads wide and can trap many. Once caught in the sticky web, it is impossible to escape unscathed.
When reading the Gospel passage, “Offer no resistance to one who is evil,” the words, “Let Go” kept surfacing in my thoughts.
Let go of what? Evil in any form?
This message covers a lot of territory in our lives. We don’t live in a world where kindness, honesty, and fairness are the norm. Some people enjoy being tough, meanspirited, and winning at all costs. Some people cheat and take advantage of others. Some people prefer to destroy others rather than create something positive.
Evil is addictive. Even in our disagreement, we grab on and talk about it. We give evil center stage and hold it. Let go.
Maybe it is not up to us to correct, fix or put people in their right place. Maybe our job is to follow Jesus’ example. Maybe we are to be filled with the peace of Christ and be peace in all situations.
As I look back over my life, I’ve not regretted letting go of negative feelings caused by evil. However, I have deeply regretted getting caught up in the awful emotions that evil produces.
We live in a world with evil. It is important that we don’t let evil stain our thoughts, words, feelings, or actions. Fixing evil is reserved for the Lord. Our job is to stay connected to God and trust the Lord to work through us to spread his love. That is where true change happens.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty
|
