We all long for happiness!
On the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us continue to reflect on God’s
desire for our happiness. Last week, we focused on God’s kindness towards us,
and today, the gospel reveals the path to this happiness. Jesus teaches us a way
that may initially seem unpleasant but ultimately leads to true sweetness. In the
first reading from the book of Samuel, David is faced with a choice. He has the
opportunity for revenge against his enemy, but instead he chooses mercy,
saying, “Do not harm him, for who can lay hands on the Lord’s anointed and
remain unpunished?” This act of restraint is a powerful testament to the joy and
freedom that forgiveness brings.
Today’s gospel challenges us: “Love your enemies, do good to those who
hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Most
likely, our initial reaction is “an eye for an eye.” While retaliation feels instinctive,
it perpetuates suffering. The world associates strength with aggression, thinking
that fighting fire with fire solves problems. However, this approach escalates
destruction. Jesus teaches that true strength lies in love, forgiveness,
compassion, and kindness. By choosing love over hate, we can transform
ourselves and our relationships. This shift from hate to love inspires hope for a
better world. God seeks to fill our lives with happiness and sweetness, breaking
the cycle of vengeance.
We all yearn for happiness, and it’s important to remember that even our
enemies seek the same. As we enter the Lenten season, we are called to
prepare our hearts for renewal. This preparation isn’t just a formality; it’s a crucial
step in our journey of spiritual growth. Lent is not merely a time for reflection; it’s
an opportunity to cleanse our hearts of bitterness and create space for God’s
love. Let us turn to God, asking Him to fill us with His compassion and bless
those who have hurt us. May our prayers transform sour relationships into ones
full of sweetness and happiness, urging us to commit fully to this journey of
spiritual growth.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us align ourselves with God’s vision of mercy
and kindness, rooted in His unconditional love for us. As we prepare for Lent, let
us embrace this bittersweet journey, trusting that it will fulfill God’s promise of joy.
May we and the world come to taste and see that “The Lord is kind and merciful,”
allowing this truth to uplift our hearts and inspire our actions in the weeks to
come.Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor