11th Week in Ordinary Time: Monday 17th June 2019

Do you have an enemy? Has someone ever hurt you so deeply, that it causes you to lose sleep? In times of pain, it can be tempting to think of revenge. I want to see the other person hurt in the same way that I am hurting now.

Today Jesus offers another option. Do not fight back against someone who attacks. Give to the person who asks to borrow.

Yet, is this realistic? Who can live like this?

Paul has experienced much pain while proclaiming the Gospel. He has been hungry, beaten and imprisoned. Yet somehow he is able to maintain patience, kindness and even joy in his heart. How is he able to do this?

It is because Paul sees himself as a servant of God and has placed himself in God’s hands (2 Cor. 6:4). From the outside it appears as though he has nothing; in reality he has everything (2 Cor. 6:10). Paul has discovered that God truly provides for his needs. As Paul follows Christ’s voice in his life, he finds that Christ cares for him deeply.

What is Christ’s voice saying to me? Who is the Lord inviting me to love?

Lord, I place myself in Your hands. Please see my needs for this day. When I face hardship, please care for me deeply.