I can think back on multiple instances, especially during my years at a public high school, where frustration and anger would take over my heart more than forgiveness. I would turn away from those who would insult the Father.
Whether it was in my head or under my breath, I would let out some snarky comment towards them. My bitterness held me back from being like Christ.
Not only was there bitterness and hatred in my heart, there was excruciating pain. Pain that no one understood the Father. Pain that I didn’t have any Catholic friends. Pain that the mocking of Jesus and the Church was something that became unbearably normal for me to witness.
In today’s reading from Genesis, we read about the first time Joseph saw his brothers since their selling of him into slavery. He says, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you once sold into Egypt. But now do not be distressed, and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here. It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you” (Genesis 45:1-5).
Out of hatred and bitterness, Joseph’s brothers did the unthinkable to him.
But, Joseph asked them to not feel sorry for themselves or to have some emotional apology. God had put Joseph there for a reason. Joseph experienced the benefits in circumstances where his brothers intended for it to be torture for him. Joseph could have gotten revenge for what they did to him.
Sister, today I invite you to pray for those who have hurt you.
It’s not easy. I still struggle, but it’s such a relief when you finally have that weight taken off of your shoulders and experience peace. God forgives them. Allow Him to guide you, so that you may forgive them too.
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS
A NEW WORKSHOP
COME BACK TO FIRST LOVE
