1 Kings 21:1-16
Psalm 5:2-3,5-7
Matthew 5:38-42
FORGIVENESS IS A PATH THAT GOD DESIRES OF US
“Offer the wicked no resistance! Indeed, the way to Heaven is narrow. To get to heaven, we have to go through a difficult path. Not retaliating or seeking revenge for any harm, offense, or evil done against you is a challenging task. It requires a deeper virtue that promotes forgiveness and peace within the mind and heart.
In the first reading, St. Paul advises us that during times of distress, when we are mistreated, attacked, or imprisoned, we demonstrate that we are servants of God through our purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, and a spirit of holiness free from pretense, guided by love, truth, and the power of God. This means that regardless of the adversity we face, we need to remain steadfast.
As Christians, we are disciples of Christ. We are soldiers not through the power of the world but by the spirit of the living God. We are to leave vengeance to God and forgive those who wrong us, seeking forgiveness from those whom we have offended. Remember, forgiveness is a path to becoming what God desires.
May God continue to relieve us from worries and anxieties, and enable us to focus on our journey to heaven. May He never allow us to face trials beyond our human capabilities, but instead grant us the grace and strength to proclaim and spread his salvation to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho