Week Beginning February 19, 2023
Bear Wrongs Patiently
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand over your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
~ Matthew 5:38-48
Today’s Gospel reading provides the scriptural basis for bearing wrongs patiently. During this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to turn the other cheek, give more than is asked, love our enemies, and pray for our persecutors.
Jesus asks us to follow his example. Wronged and persecuted during his earthly life, he responds to his oppressors with love and forgiveness. Rather than seeking revenge and retaliation, he prays for his enemies and entrusts himself to his Father’s will. When we bear our wrongs patiently, we imitate his love by answering injustice with compassion and mercy. We break the cycle of violence and revenge that perpetuates conflict and division in society. This creates space for healing and reconciliation, which can restore relationships and promote peace.
In theory, pursuing this path of Jesus seems transformative. In practice, asking us to “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) seems unrealistic. Jesus requires us to give without reservations and to love without boundaries. But, he does not ask us to do so without his help. When we trust in God’s infinite love and mercy, we can love as He does and be merciful as He is. Although we pour out our hearts for the sake of others, Jesus always fills them back up for us.
In order to emulate Jesus Christ, we require divine grace. Therein rests the main reason that bearing wrongs patiently is a spiritual work of mercy. Left to our own human instincts of self-preservation, we are tempted to fight evil with evil. Yet we are instructed to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Only light can scatter darkness. To destroy the effects of sin, we respond patiently to the trespasses against us. We have faith that our crosses lead to grace when united with Christ. Our patience allows the time needed for God to bring about the greater good from our suffering.
We move away from pride and self-centeredness when we view others with compassion and empathy. Additionally, we become accountable for our own behavior. When speaking to his general audience about this topic, Pope Francis asks, “do we ever conduct an examination of conscience in order to see if we too, at times, might be annoying to others? It’s easy to point a finger against the faults and shortcomings of others, but we must learn to put ourselves in their shoes.”
Unlike the outward acts of mercy we reviewed earlier this month, bearing wrongs patiently is also directed inward for our own spiritual benefit. Increasing in this practice helps us to grow in holiness and to deepen our relationship with God.
There are many ways we can develop this spiritual work of mercy. We can pray for those who have hurt us…and also for those that we may have hurt. We can pray for the strength to endure our trials and for the compassion to act charitably as we face them. We can pray for the conversion of sinners and for our own conversion to love our enemies. And we can offer our sacrifices for the benefit of others.
As we enter into Lent this week, consider how you can “be perfect.” How can you incorporate the acts of mercy into your Lenten penance?
Week Beginning February 12, 2023
Comfort the Afflicted
To comfort the afflicted is to offer solace, encouragement, and support to those who are suffering in any way–whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This work of mercy compels us to imitate the charity that Jesus Christ demonstrates to all people, especially the vulnerable and the needy. Saint Paul highlights our call to comfort others the same way God comforts us in our struggles:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Being truly present for others during their times of difficulty involves listening to their struggles and offering our support without judgment. This spiritual act of mercy challenges us to put aside our own prejudices and biases as we approach our neighbors with hearts filled with compassion and empathy. It requires us to look beyond the surface and to see the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their state in life.
Sometimes, a problem cannot be solved, and a situation cannot be dismissed. In those instances, providing sincere and patient companionship can alleviate the added distress of social withdrawal. Pope Francis explains how isolation further compounds our afflictions:
“…others might abandon us at such times. Or, in our own moments of weakness, we may feel that we should abandon others in order to avoid becoming a burden. This is how loneliness sets in, and we can become poisoned by a bitter sense of injustice, as if God himself had abandoned us.”
He explains through the Parable of the Good Samaritan that the condition of loneliness and abandonment is easy to remedy.
“This kind of cruelty can be overcome more easily than any other injustice, because–as the parable tells us–it only takes a moment of our attention, of being moved to compassion within us, in order to eliminate it.”
Comforting the afflicted is a tangible way for us to offer hope, promote all types of healing, and shine the light of God into the darkest hours of someone’s life. Our act of mercy is an outpouring of Christ to others through us. This week, consider how you can share the loving comfort of Jesus with those in most need of his mercy. Help them to realize that every cross brings grace when united with God. When you pray for the afflicted, include intentions for both your loved ones and for strangers.
In celebration of World Day of the Sick (February 11), Pope Francis persuades us:
“Experiences of bewilderment, sickness, and weakness are part of the human journey. Far from excluding us from God’s people, they bring us to the center of the Lord’s attention, for he is our Father and does not want to lose even one of his children along the way. Let us learn from him, then, how to be a community that truly walks together, capable of resisting the throwaway culture.”
This week, think about how you can accompany others on that human journey through their trials. One simple way is to be present–to “suffer” with them. Help with practical tasks, or support an organization that does so. Share your shoulder to cry on, your hand to hold, your thoughtful words, your smiles, and your hugs. Saint Thérèse de Lisieux reminds us, “A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul.”
Week Beginning February 5, 2023
Admonish the Sinner, Instruct the Ignorant, Counsel the Doubtful
We begin our exploration into the spiritual works of mercy with the three most difficult acts. Admonishing the sinner, instructing the ignorant, and counseling the doubtful require a level of tact, knowledge, canonical training, virtue, and grace proportionate to the specific task. While ideally all of the faithful can perform all of the spiritual acts, occasions exist when these three acts are better served by clergy and consecrated religious persons. In such cases that exceed our capabilities, the laity are not obligated to perform those acts. However, we can support our neighbors by directing them to specially trained individuals when we do not have the proper skills to help. Additionally, we can offer our prayers for them.
The English word “admonish” comes from the Latin word admonere meaning “urge by warning.” Admonishing the sinner is a form of fraternal correction in which we warn others of their sinful behavior and urge them to correct their course toward holiness. This act is always performed out of love with great humility. The goal is to save souls by drawing out the good in our neighbors, reminding them of God’s great mercy, and helping them orient their lives to attain salvation.
Admonishing the sinner is a call to conversion. “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance” (Luke 15:7). Understanding that we all have sinful tendencies, this act of mercy requires a certain sensitivity to avoid the perception of judgment or hypocrisy. Accordingly, we must act compassionately, recognize our own weakness, and practice what we preach.
When it comes to admonishing the sinner, silence is not an option. In the face of evil, silence allows evil to spread, risking greater catastrophe. Silence may also imply our consent.
This week, prayerfully reflect on your sinfulness. Perform an examination of conscience. Consider going to confession and inviting a friend to join you. If someone has the courage to admonish you, accept the feedback graciously and consider how you can grow from it. Set an example of loving accountability. If you see someone doing something that goes against your shared values, provide them with support and guidance.
Instructing the ignorant refers to teaching our neighbors how to live according to the Gospel, how to be followers of Christ, and how to grow in virtue. By bringing the truth to others, we cast out their ignorance and help them live in accordance with God’s commands.
We are called to be the light for the world and to share the beauty of our faith: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). In order to accomplish this, we must understand the doctrine of the Church, learn the language of our faith, and teach others through the example of our actions and our lives. Supporting Catholic social issues, promoting Christian values, and defending life are outward ways to express our beliefs.
Diligence to instruct accurately is essential, as directing others incorrectly causes more harm than good. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In addition to scripture, the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults and the Catechism of the Catholic Church provide solid foundation for our formation.
This week, consider the many ways you can strengthen your understanding of the faith and share it with others. Some opportunities include serving at religious education classes, mentoring others, volunteering with a youth ministry, participating in Bible study and lectures, sponsoring someone for Christian initiation, inviting a friend to Mass, and donating to a scholarship fund.
The English word “counsel” comes from the Latin word consilium: con meaning “with” and silium meaning “decision.” Counseling, therefore, is a collaborative process that helps to bring about a decision. The English word “doubt” derives from the Latin word dubius meaning “uncertain.” To doubt is to waiver in uncertainty or to question one’s belief.
Doubt regarding faith is a spiritual burden. When we counsel the doubtful, we attempt to alleviate that load by guiding our neighbors toward the truth. We listen patiently to their worries and concerns without judgment. We align our responses with Christ in an effort to help them discern God’s will. Together, we ponder how God is calling them to holiness and how they can accomplish their greatest good. We seek strength from the Holy Spirit and let God speak through us.
Doubt and despair are especially prevalent during times of struggle. This week, think about how you can support your neighbors with prayer, encouragement, and companionship when they experience difficulty, loss, and change. Consider sharing a helpful book or accompanying them to a parish program. Simply living a life of faith and persevering through our own trials provides a powerful witness to God’s enduring love. When the situation extends beyond our capabilities, help them to seek qualified direction. While good advice is an act of charity and justice, bad advice is an offense against justice and love.
