Friday, 24th January – Friday of week 2 of the year

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Reflection: 1 Samuel 24: 3-21

REPAYING GOOD FOR EVIL

We live in a highly individualistic world, a world in which men seek their own personal gain at all times. Our world is indeed full of selfishness, pride, unforgiveness and revenge and all these vices are at the root of the many wars, mass killings and man-made disasters that have befalling our world over the centuries.

However, as Christians, Jesus calls us to a very different way of living; one that takes us above selfishness and leads us to share the great love and mercy God has shown us to others. An insight into our calling is seen in the first reading of today. We reflected on the evil of jealousy yesterday and we see its effect in today’s reading as King Saul is after David to take his life and David is forced to run into hiding with his men. Despite the great wickedness King Saul has exhibited towards David, the latter refused to take the life of his pursuer even when he had an easy opportunity to do so. Instead he spared the life of the king and later called out to the king to make him realize he had nothing against him. He left the vengeance to God, not to himself.

Dear young friends, Christ calls us each day to live a life of love, to repay good for evil, a blessing for a curse and to feed our enemy if he is hungry (Romans 12: 14, 17-21). God calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This call is not an easy one but is possible for us as long as we yield to the Holy Spirit whom God has given us at our baptism. The Holy Spirit within us will help us to be perfect even as our Heavenly Father is perfect. All we need to do is to ask for His grace and obey His leading in sincerity of heart.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for the great love and mercy you offer me each day despite my sinfulness. Please help me to joyfully extend this love to others, especially those who do not seek my good. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 395 – What is peace?

Peace is the consequence of justice and the sign of love put into action. Where there is peace, “every creature can come to rest in good order” (Thomas Aquinas). Earthly peace is the image of the peace of Christ, who reconciled heaven and earth.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Do not be overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good” Romans 12: 21 RSV-CE

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 24: 3-21; Psalm 56: 1-11; Mark 3:13-19