Those who may be “vexations to the spirit” are my brethren, too - Daily Bible Reflections June 29,2015

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, pray for us.

 

ZAPPED

 

The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat... – 2 Timothy 4:18

 

       I once worked in the customer relations section of a company. One day, a snooty balikbayan (a homecoming Filipino) wasn’t satisfied with my response to her complaint. She impatiently cut me off mid-sentence and swore at me. I’ve never been at the receiving end of curse words before. I was zapped speechless by this “witch.”

       I felt myself getting angry at her behavior. But I forced myself to remain cool and polite. When she saw I wasn’t going to yell back or burst into tears, she left in a huff. What a relief!

       Since that encounter, I tried to surround myself with positive energy. I placed little green plants on my desk and nice posters on my cubicle wall. I listened to calming music and joked around with my officemates. But a friend reminded me that only a shield of prayer can withstand the “enemy.”

       So when I asked God for His blessings every morning, I also asked Him to bless our customers — no matter what type of personality they had. Relying on the Lord’s guidance and protection was the best way to arm myself for the day. Gina J. Verdolaga (mgjver@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Those who may be “vexations to the spirit” are my brethren, too.

 

Lord, let me understand so I may be understood. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.