Daily Bible Reflections - May 31,2013

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

BE THE BETTER MAN (OR WOMAN)

 

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. – Romans 12:9

 

As a homemaker, I’ve had my share of, err, less than perfect househelp. One helper was an all-around nanny-housekeeper who faked a relative dying so she could go home to the province with extra cash. Another helper, while experienced as a cleaning maid, had a tendency to give unsolicited advice — about how I should run my home.

       Thank You, Lord. You truly are a giver of grace... because these women are truly sources of grace for me!    Yes, it’s hard to love people who are hard to like. Still, Jesus commands us to love others authentically, without faking it. Which means that even if people — family, coworkers, employees, househelp, et al — get on our nerves, we’re called all the more to be like Christ to them. So even if

someone annoys you or cuts you mid-sentence with a catty remark, don’t react negatively. Be the better man or woman, and be a blessing to them instead. Your example of goodness and love may be just what they need to make a turnaround. Martine de Luna (the.dainty.mom@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Is there someone who is difficult for you to love authentically? Ask the Lord for wisdom on how to show them compassion and love appropriately.

 

Jesus, help me to keep the Golden Rule, to love and accept others as I myself would want to be loved and accepted. Grant me the constancy to

do this. Amen.

 

St. Mechtildis, pray for us.