This morning at Holy Mass, Father LeRoy read from the Gospel of Luke (9:51-56). It told how Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, and when some people in a Samaritan village would not welcome Him, James and John asked if they should call down fire from heaven. But Jesus turned and rebuked them, reminding them that His way is mercy, not punishment.
On our walk home, Sister Mary Claire explained that sometimes it is easy to want to strike back when someone doesn’t like us or refuses to listen. But Jesus shows us a better way—He keeps moving forward with patience and love, leaving the anger behind. I asked if that meant we should just let people be unkind to us, and Sister said no, but we should never let unkindness make our own hearts bitter.
The sun was warm on the road, and the cornstalks rattled in the little breeze. Mini trotted ahead, her ears perked and her little bottom wiggling. She dashed into the ditch after a grasshopper, and Sister laughed, saying Mini was showing us how not to get distracted from the path. I liked that thought—that staying close to Jesus is like keeping to the path, even when noisy things along the way try to pull us aside.
When we reached home, I felt glad that Jesus was so gentle with His disciples, because I often need to be reminded not to be quick to anger too.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for teaching me the way of mercy.
Help me to be patient when others are unkind
and to keep walking with You on the right path.
Bless Sister Mary Claire and little Mini, and keep our home in Your peace tonight.
Love,
Kathy
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