They Would Not Receive Him

Beads of Joy 09-28-10

They Would Not Receive Him
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Insightfully interesting gospel today. How do we treat our enemies? Are we as kind and concerned as Jesus is? Or do we think and act like James and John was, wanting to destroy them? Today's gospel for reflection is, Luke 9:51-56 (Departure to Jerusalem / Samaritan Inhospitality) When we get treated harshly and mean and outright rude enough where we can clearly see the motive of the other is the destruction of us, what do we do? God wants us to make friends with our enemies, love them, forgive them, and to pray for them. Scripture is very clear about where we need to be when it comes to our enemies. "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28. That should be all we need to know, Jesus Himself taught this. You can expand your understanding by reading the entire section of that teaching, just refer to Luke 6:27-38. As Christians we are uniquely different in so many ways, one very important part of our faith is how we love and care for those who hate us. I know, some can not agree with that sentiment. I have to say I agree on the surface completely with you, but honestly when the rubber hits the road, we must obey our Lord's words.

How do we treat our enemies? We must keep this in mind in our everyday lives, so many respond in an instant, never thinking about what they are actually doing. See our problem as humans is that our responses at times is more worldly like, than Godly in their nature. It is a very special grace and a most special spirit that can absorb the hatred and anger and respond to it with love. For me, I don't consider anyone my enemy, obviously satan is, but I even pray for his repentance. Yes the federal government isn't exactly someone I like either, many know my rants and raves about that bunch. But when it's all said and done out of mouth and onto this screen, please know that I pray for them, in the hopes that things will change. And that is one of the key elements in dealing with anger: Hope. Our prayers are for our enemies is "hopeful" in that they to, get to know the God of the Universe that we know; and by doing so their hearts will be like ours, united with His. We must leave judgment with God, because in the end, anger against our enemies is "judgment". And God only judges, not only what they do, but also how we respond to what they do.

How do we treat our enemies? God wants our response to be like His would be; kind, friendly, forgiving, caring and expecting nothing return. It is only through God mercy and love that we can forgive and love someone who is trying to harm us, or those we love. The power of revenge must be broken by the power of love. Prayer and a very special relationship with Jesus, makes all the difference for how we tend to handle these challenges.

Trust in Jesus no matter what
Our enemies can't take that away,
Pray for their souls and forgive
Lift them up in prayer everyday.

We must love them sincerely
Only praying for the best,
For only God can judge them
We must love, God will do the rest.

So How do we treat our enemies? Trust in our Lord, and the Holy Spirit that is inside of us. Know that God is there in all and through all things in our lives. We do not stand alone when we suffer these things. The pain and hurt we feel God is well aware of. But by His grace and the strength we have empowered inside us through the Holy Spirit, we can really absorb a lot, and in His name ask God to forgive them and love them.

The Holy Spirit will guide
We must be open to forgive,
Don't hold a grudge or be angry
For neither can eternally live.

These simple two verses sums it all up, if you are not sure how often we need to be forgiving, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22. Always forgiving !!

For strength and wisdom pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus