17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: For the week ending on July 29th, 2012
“I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;”
Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 4:1
At the first sign of conflict, we often raise our armor in defense; ready to protect, defend and attack all who challenge our authority, ideals and territory. The heart palpitates, adrenaline surges, muscles quiver and anxiety accelerates our call for battle. Our thoughts may shout for vengeance but our heart weeps with sorrow. How do we live caught between the desire for anger and revenge and the call for gentleness and peace? “Justice is mine,” says the Lord. Paul urges us to pause, in the presence of Jesus Christ, breathe, and remember who we are and how we are called to serve. Allow the heart rate to slow, the adrenaline to pass, the muscles to relax and the spirit of love to penetrate our being. United with Christ, let compassion and humility direct us to a peaceful resolution that serves first the weakest and most vulnerable involved. May we bear our sorrow and burdens with faith, hope and most of all, love.
Dear Jesus, increase in me a heart of humility that I may seek resolution through compassion and peace. AMEN
Joan E. Derrig-Heacox
Spiritual Direction available in person or phone by appointment.