John ESENE

 

    Most of us still believe in the old law, “An eye for an eye” which Jesus replaced with “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. 

When you forgive those who offend you, you will save them from the punishment they deserve and the God of mercy will love you and forgive you your sins too.

    When her mother started humiliating her, Veronica thought her mother was joking only to realize later that her mother was going too far hence she decided to keep off from her. To forgive an offence is not easy but when you do, you will set yourself free from your creditors. Someone has said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner is you.” so, it took her some years to reconcile with her mother for peace to reign in the family.

    Allow the Spirit of the Living God to fall afresh on you: He will melt you, remold you, fill you and use you for your good! Almighty God, you who have the power to change people and situations, change our ugly situations that they may not have negative effect on our future generations.

    When you are doing the right thing at the right time, do not be afraid for God watches over you. ”When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burnt; the hard trials that come will not hurt you” Is 43:2.  God does not lie! We saw how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego with an angel walked in the midst of fire (Dan 3:12-30). Daniel came out of the den of lion without being hurt (Dan 6:10-28).

    How will her relations and friends cope with her family knowing fully well all that transpired between them on that faithful day? But Our Mother Mary was present at the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ without protesting against anyone who manhandled Jesus for no just reason. When they came to arrest Jesus, Peter reacted but Jesus cautioned him and from that time till they hung him on the cross no one reacted again.

     Jesus was like us in everything except sin. He knows the pains and sorrows we are going through. In Lk. 6:27-28 Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who ill-treat you.” Our Lord Jesus Christ has shown that it is possible for us to love our enemies and pray for them. He did not stop Judas from betraying Him but felt sorry for him. When it was all over, He said on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34.)

     If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and Life, then obey His command, “Love your enemies and do good to those who hurt you.”  Forgive those who must have hurt you in any way that God may forgive you your sins too!

    People of God, guide your mind or your mind will cage you.  When next you have a feeling of hatred for your relation, even if you have genuine reason for hating him, reconcile with him to avoid incurring debt payable in purgatory or hell.  “A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarrelling is like the bars of a castle” (Prov18:19.) Pray for the grace to hear and recognize God’s voice and be humble to do His will always.

    When her mother later noticed the gap between her and Veronica as a resault of their misunderstanding, she gently reconciled with her amicably without delay. We thank God for this gentle family for putting their mockers to shame! They are worthy of emulation regarding the way they resolved their diferencies amecably!

     It is compulsory that a father  should correct his son when he strays but do it in Jesus’ way. In Luke 24:13-35 we saw how Cleopas and his companion abandoned their call and left for Emmaus. Jesus did not vent His anger on them but decided to patiently walk eleven kilometres with them to their home before he corrected and reunited them to the other disciples. How many parents can go through the above process for the love of their children today? On the other hand, children should listen to their parents. “A wise son pays attention when his father corrects him but an arrogant person never admits he is wrong.” (Prov. 13:1.)

     Children are special gifts from God to their parents. Parents should see themselves as care-takers to God who consider them worthy to participate in creation. On judgment day, you will account for your relationship with your children. As a parent, it is your duty to direct your children to God and not to curse them. If God should curse us each time we offend him, the entire humanity will be in a mess!

    Do you have problem with any of your relations? Go to God for counseling and the grace to resolve it amicably. “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain will its builders labour.” (Psalm 127:1.) Trust in God who made you a parent and pray for his Divine guardians and protection over you and your family. He who heard St. Monica’s prayer for her son, St. Auguistine will not abandon you and your children irrespective of the situation. It is only when you pray and do your very best for your children that you can say in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name.”(Jn 17:12.)

     James consoles us in 1:2-4 when he said, “My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trails come your way, because you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trails, the result is the ability to endure. Be sure that your endurance carries you all the way, without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”