Reflect today on any wounds you carry inside

Jesus said to his disciples: "To you who listen I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you". Luke 6: 27-28

These words are clearly easier said than done. In the end, when someone acts hatefully towards you and mistreats you, the last thing you want to do is love them, bless them, and pray for them. But Jesus is very clear that this is what we are called to do.

In the midst of some direct persecution or malice being inflicted on us, we can be easily hurt. This pain can lead us to anger, desires for revenge and even hatred. If we give in to these temptations, we suddenly become the very thing that hurt us. Unfortunately, hating those who have hurt us only makes things worse.

But it would be naive to deny a certain inner tension that we all face when we are faced with the harm of another and Jesus' command to love them in return. If we are honest we must admit this inner tension. The tension comes when we try to embrace the command of total love despite the feelings of pain and anger we experience.

One thing this inner tension reveals is that God wants so much more for us than simply living a life based on our feelings. Being angry or hurt isn't all that pleasant. Indeed, it can be the cause of much misery. But it doesn't have to be that way. If we understand this command of Jesus to love our enemies, we will begin to understand that this is the way out of misery. We will begin to realize that giving in to hurt feelings and returning anger out of anger or hatred out of hatred makes the wound deeper. On the other hand, if we can love when we are mistreated, we suddenly find that love in this case is quite powerful. It is love that goes far beyond any sentiment. It is true love purified and freely given as a gift from God. It is charity at the highest level and it is a charity that fills us with authentic joy in abundance.

Reflect today on any wounds you carry inside. Know that these wounds can become the source of your holiness and happiness if you let God transform them and if you allow God to fill your heart with love for all who have mistreated you.

Lord, I know I am called to love my enemies. I know that I am called to love all those who have mistreated me. Help me to surrender to You any feeling of anger or hatred and replace those feelings with true charity. Jesus I believe in you.