Refusing Retaliation

Today’s readings.

There’s a noted reality in today’s readings: sometimes we do good, and what comes back is suspicion, distortion, even a kind of silent campaign to “carefully note our every word.” Jeremiah experiences this. And Jesus, on the way to Jerusalem, is clear about what awaits him for all the good that he’s done.  

St. John Chrysostom, noting this dynamic, teaches that we are actually the greatest gainers from the insolence of others, because it pleases God when we do not return evil for evil; and not only refraining, but returning the opposite: charity and prayers. That’s the heart of Christian strength: not being naïve about evil, but refusing to let it reshape our interior life to be less like Christ. In other words, the real loss isn’t that we were wronged; the real loss would be if others’ wrongdoings succeeded in remaking us into a smaller, harsher people. Lent is a great time to train for this kind of freedom: to keep doing the good without letting bitterness overcome us when we are repaid with insolence. 

Today’s Practice – Prayer:

Bring one person to prayer today who has repaid your good with something unfair: dismissiveness, gossip, ingratitude, a cold shoulder, etc. Say their name before God and ask for one blessing for them (peace in their home, healing of a fear, a softened heart, or whatever they may be needing in their life). End with: “Lord, transform me to love like you.”