There are a number of people in this world I don’t like. I don’t hate anyone, but I sure don’t like what they do. Anna, my wife, and I encountered a homeless man at Church. The homeless come to our church because we have an outreach center. On weekends there is air conditioning, and I am sure that is part of the draw to get away from the 100+ degree temperatures in Oklahoma and other parts of the United States.
The homeless man was looking for a port to charge his cell phone. We couldn’t help him but the church secretary knew him and suggested that he might find one at a local convenience store which has a service area.
When I lived in Florida during hurricane season we were without power for two weeks. A really nice neighbor about four blocks away who had electricity set up a free charging station complete with cords and a table and chair free to anyone who needed it for over two weeks.
In disaster relief situations people need some basics. They need clean underwear and communications with a cell phone as well as food, shelter and water.
During Mass I saw the homeless man sitting and enjoying the sermon or maybe just the air conditioning. Get them to church somehow.
In our Gospel today Jesus and His disciple were being criticized for breaking the rules when in effect what they needed was mercy.
Luke 6:37-38 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
So, getting back to the people I do not like. Just because a person lies, commits adultery and is totally repugnant does not mean I should wish him harm. You don’t shoot someone or beat them up because you don’t agree with them or just don’t like them.
I am not sure Jesus likes me all the time.
Forgiveness and Mercy go hand and hand.
The perfect example of mercy was Jesus on the Cross. He wasn’t judging. He was loving. The family that set up the cell phone charging station was showing mercy on neighbors who were without power for weeks at a time.
Pray for your enemies and people you don’t like. Show mercy and receive so much more in return. For the cup of mercy goes from you and to you. You have been shown mercy. Give it to others.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace!
