Daily Reflection - October 4, 2024
Adapted from "Our Daily Bread"
1 Peter 2:21-25 (New Catholic Bible)
21 This, in fact, is what you have been called to do, because Christ himself suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his footsteps.
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22 He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found on his lips.
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23 When he was abused, he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he made no threats, but he placed his trust in the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live in righteousness.
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By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep who had gone astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Reflection
There are moments when we feel like getting even, when we want to call abuse for abuse and insult for insult. Everyone has experiences with being misinterpreted, misrepresented, or assaulted. Despite our want to reply in kind, Jesus' heart invites us to pursue peace, be understanding, and be nice to others. Maybe God would use us to bless someone going through a difficult time, as He makes it possible for us to do now.
Why is it so simple to retaliate against those who have spoken hurtful things? What deliberate steps may you take to return kindness to people who have wronged you?
Pray
Dear loving Father, kindly help me in finding in You the courage, kindness, and discernment to share the true nature of Jesus. Amen.