The
ways of our faith can be so different from the ways of the world. In that way, our Gospel is especially
challenging for us today, as it tells us to turn the other cheek when someone hits
us and to give the person who tries to steal our cloak our tunic as well. This is so different from the code of
vengeance and revenge in which many in our society operate today. We all called to forgive & to show mercy
as followers of Christ, rather than to judge and condemn others.
We
celebrate John Chrysostom today on his feast day. He was the Archbishop of Constantinople in
the late 4th and early 5th century, and he is one of the
revered Doctors of the Church. He was
known as one of the greatest preachers in the early Church. Here is one such teaching from his homilies
that relates to today’s Gospel, on how to reach out to others and how to have
joy in our hearts: “Helping a person in need is good in itself. But the degree
of goodness is hugely affected by the attitude with which it is done. If you show
resentment because you are helping the person out of a reluctant sense of duty,
then the person may receive your help but may feel awkward and embarrassed.
This is because he will feel beholden to you. If, on the other hand, you help
the person in a spirit of joy, then the help will be received joyfully. The
person will feel neither demeaned nor humiliated by your help, but rather will
feel glad to have caused you pleasure by receiving your help. And joy is the
appropriate attitude with which to help others because acts of generosity are a
source of blessing to the giver as well as the receiver.”
May the
Lord give us the grace to reach out to our enemies, to forgive, and to foster
joy in our hearts.
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