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Homily of the Day
March 10, 2017

In the Gospel reading, Jesus instructs us on our dealings with one another, with those against us. Even friends have disagreements: it has been said it may take time, even years, to build a bond among people; in seconds, the bond can be destroyed.

We have to be very careful in our words and actions with other people. Impatience and anger can make us do things we would regret later: cursing and bad impolite language can cause collateral damage for relationships.

We need to speak truthfully, perhaps softly but firmly. We cannot allow our bad temper or hot emotions to get the better of us and ruin close relationships and friendships. Let us always pray for the grace of a more peaceful and patient demeanor.

Dear Lord, when our tempers flare, please help us to calm down. Let us be more conscious that we all live in glass houses. Harmful statements become rocks that break our windows and the windows of others. May our words be always filled with healing and hope. Help us to let go of hate and bring in more of love.


33 posted on 03/10/2017 7:54:29 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 33, Issue 2

<< Friday, March 10, 2017 >>
 
Ezekiel 18:21-28
View Readings
Psalm 130:1-8 Matthew 5:20-26
Similar Reflections
 

A WORLD OF ANGRY MEN AND WOMEN

 
"What I say to you is: everyone who grows angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment." �Matthew 5:22
 

Although there is such a thing as righteous anger, most people are not righteously angry, but sinfully angry. By God's grace, we must repent of anger immediately, or we will "be liable to judgment" and risk "the fires of Gehenna" (Mt 5:22). Until we repent of anger, we cannot proceed with worship and prayer (Mt 5:23-24). In anger, we stop communicating with God, which causes our faith to erode and our love to diminish. In anger, our spiritual "vital signs" begin to fail. We are in serious trouble. Therefore, the Lord warns us: "The sun must not go down on your wrath; do not give the devil a chance to work on you" (Eph 4:26-27).

"Do nothing to sadden the Holy Spirit with Whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ" (Eph 4:30-32). "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for a man's anger does not fulfill God's justice" (Jas 1:19-20).

 
Prayer: Father, purify my heart. Remove the causes of anger in me.
Promise: "If a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die." �Ez 18:27-28
Praise: Rather than get angry at the daily news, Michael now prays the news.

34 posted on 03/10/2017 7:56:47 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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