he loves even more
“I will espouse you to Me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy.” —Hosea 2:21
Our only vengeance as followers of Jesus Christ is to love more and serve more, especially those who are harming us. This is an imitation of Jesus, Who died to save those who kept hurting Him. When St. Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus did not punish Peter or take revenge on him. Instead, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Jesus responded to injury by loving even more.
This is how Jesus responds to us. We have sinned against Him, but He loves us even more (see Rm 5:8; cf 1 Jn 4:10). He pursues, allures, and woos us (see Hos 2:16ff). He takes us into the desert, that is, He strips away all we depend on, in hopes of increasing the chances that we will turn to Him. This is His special “vengeance” (Rm 12:19-21).
If you have loved ones whom you are trying to lead to the Lord, be encouraged. Jesus wants them to come to Him much more than you do. He will love them more and more. Let us imitate Jesus by responding to insult and harm by increasing our love.
Prayer: Father, touch me so deeply within that I am impelled to respond to injury with Your steadfast love (see 2 Cor 5:14).
Promise: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.” —Ps 145:8
Praise: St. Maria, a virgin martyr, was canonized on June 25, 1950. In one of the most unique ceremonies in Church history, it was attended by both her aged mother and Maria’s repentant murderer, whom she forgave before she died.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (The 40 Day Discipleship Formation continues into July. Celebrating Jesus and the Sacraments retreat is July 5-8; Intercession and Healing is July 15-17. These retreats will deepen your love of God through the study of the Bible and the wisdom of the Catholic Church. They are held at our beautiful Discipleship Center 60 miles east of Cincinnati. See our website www.presentationministries.com for details.)
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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.