Dealing with the ENEMY

GOOD NEWS REFLECTIONThursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary TimeSeptember 13, 2007 TODAY'S MEMORIAL: SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMThe prayer from my book for this is not available online;to order the book, please go to http://gnm.org/books.htm[1]
TODAY'S READINGS:Col 3:12-17Ps 150:1b-6Luke 6:27-38http://www.usccb.org/nab/091307.shtml[2]

DEALING WITH THE ENEMY

A few days ago, we passed the 6th anniversary of the day terrorists changed world events by attacking the U.S. At first, we didn't know who was demolishing the World Trade Towers. Newscasters compared it to the attack on Pearl Harbor; one remarked: "At least back then, we knew who our enemy was." As Christians, we always know the identity of the enemy. As Christians, we know that our human enemies are really only victims and weapons of the true enemy, the Evil One and his spiritual forces of darkness. In today's Gospel passage, Jesus gives us the weapons of war that will crush this enemy: Love your human enemies, he said. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who attack you. But how can these be evil-destroying weapons? Evil is really only a void, the absence of God, the absence of love. Where he is not allowed to be Lord, the void is filled by the anger and hatred that grows from the frustration of not having love. Where love is not given room to grow, evil spreads like a poisonous weed. But give the love you have to those who are being unloving, do good to those who do evil, replace curses with blessings, and the void gets voided. Jesus said, "Forgive, and you will be forgiven." No terrorist, nor evil-doer of any sort, can destroy the peace that comes from being forgiven by God. When faced with a war in the world or in our homes, we find our peace by praying: "Father, forgive them, for they didn't know what they were doing. They didn't understand who you are and how to receive your love. Lord have mercy on them. Bring all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy." St. Paul wrote in today's first reading: "You are God's chosen ones. You are the beloved. Therefore, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy and compassion." He repeated what Jesus had said: "Forgive whatever grievances you have against others. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you." Mercy is love that is not deserved. Forgiveness makes us merciful. When the door to love is closed and it's sealing in the evil that's been filling the void, our acts of mercy deliver God's love like a secret weapon. Will it make a difference? We cannot force someone to open up to God and receive his healing and his purifying love, but we ourselves restore peace within ourselves. By picking up and using the weapons of love that Jesus has given us, we defeat the real enemy. His attack against us crumbles faster than the World Trade Towers. /Need help with finding this peace? Download "The Path to Healing in Difficult Relationships[3]"./