|
by Lito Dawa Mt.5:20-26 
T he person who slapped me when I was still a teenager in Tondo died last week. I was watching a basketball game on television in the barangay hall back then when he, who happened to be the barangay chairman, arrived. He was drunk, didn’t recognize me being new in the place, asked who I was and the unfortunate event happened.
I was humiliated because some barangay kagawads and some civilians witnessed the incident. I went home immediately, cried and told myself I would get back to him someday. He never apologized to me and my family. The witnesses felt sorry for what happened and comforted me. He went on to win as a three-termer councilor and a three-termer congressman.
I saw him again during the blessing of a slaughterhouse in Manila and he was already a member of the House of Representatives. Our community's music ministry was invited to sing for the Mass. The pain was gone and I could only laugh as I recall what he did to me. I have long forgiven him and prayed for the eternal repose of his soul upon learning in the news that he was already taken by our Creator.
Jesus shared with us today not to harbor any grudges against our brethren. We have to settle any differences we have before we can truly serve Him. If we caused any harm to a person, then we have to reach out to them and reconcile with them immediately. On the other hand, we have to consistently forgive all the people who have offended us notwithstanding the pain it brought us.
Friends, to be in union with God, we must first be at peace with one another. We must see others as beloved of God, do them no harm, care for their cares as well as our own. We will never experience eternal peace if we allow anger to reign in our lives. Just as God is merciful to us in all circumstances, we are also asked to do the same to our brothers and sisters.
Prayer:
Loving Jesus, we know that anger will do us harm both spiritually and physically. May all of us make amends with those who have wronged us and those we have hurt to show our genuine love for You. Send forth Your Holy Spirit to guide as we make peace with one another. Amen. |
