7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C: 1Sam 26:2-23, Ps 103, 1Cor 15:45-49, Lk 6:27-38
The desire to get revenge on someone who hurt you is a natural feeling we all have; and this feeling becomes worst in people who are prone to anger or bitterness. Of all the reasons why people seek revenge, the ‘affairs of the heart’ appear to be the greatest cause. And research have shown that actions done as a result revenge are usually greater than what triggered it; and retaliation causes a circle of vengeance. For this reason Martin Luther King Jr says “the Old law of ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind”.
No wonder in order to revenge, a woman cut off the male member of her cheating boyfriend; a man killed his cheating wife! Another lady blackmailed her colleague at work because she slighted her, etc and the list goes on.
To you reading this piece, you may be contemplating the desire to revenge on those that hurt you. Before you conclude on what to do, take your time and continue reading slowly…
Cf 1 Samuel 26:2-23
Saul set off and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, accompanied by three thousand men chosen from Israel to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph. In the dark David and Abishai made their way towards the force, where they found Saul lying asleep inside the camp, his spear stuck in the ground beside his head, with Abner and the troops lying round him. Then Abishai said to David, ‘Today God has put your enemy in your power; so now let me pin him to the ground with his own spear. Just one stroke! I will not need to strike him twice.’ David answered Abishai, ‘Do not kill him, for who can lift his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be without guilt? The Lord forbid that I should raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed!…David took the spear and the pitcher of water from beside Saul’s head, and they made off. No one saw, no one knew, no one woke up; they were all asleep, for a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Child of God the story you just read recalls the tension between David and King Saul. Saul moved by jealousy and evil intent went out in search of David in order to kill him. But unfortunately for Saul while he lay asleep with his guards, David caught up with him, having every opportunity to slay him but did not. He didn’t revenge for the sake of God, and the anointing of God on him as King. The question then is: If Saul was not an ‘anointed person’ would David have killed him? Probably he would have, but the point of reflection here is the ability of David to see God even in his enemy.
2. Seeing God in our enemies is a deep spiritual dimension similar to seeing the ‘hand of God’ in ugly situations. Only those with this spiritual insight can understand the Word of God in Prov 17 that if the ways of a man pleases the Lord, He will turn even his enemies to be his friends. Yes only with this insight will you realise that enemies have a role to play in your life: their role is shame and disgrace when God lifts you up; because, surely God prepares a table for us in the sight of our enemies! (Ps 23:5). Only those operating in this realm can experience favour even in the camp of their enemies (like David) and enjoy prosperity in the land of captivity (like the Israelites). Because of the profoundness of this spiritual dimension, Jesus teaches: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly (Lk 6:27).
3. And so if you see God in all men revenge or retaliation will be far from your mind. Revenge is a product of emotions and could be easily influenced and manipulated by the devil to one’s destruction. That is why when you entertain vengeful thoughts you receive evil suggestions like: disgracing the person publicly (on the Internet), laying snares or betraying them, destroying something they love or to poison them, refusing to help them in their time of need, or to defame them! And to accomplish these you could cross boundaries and commit indicting crimes before the law which will come back to haunt you or bite you in the end either emotionally or financially. And so, to save you these troubles the bible commands: Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Rom 12:19)
4. The best ‘way to revenge’ is to work on yourself, live well, forgive and move on! This has proved helpful to many. Scripture says: David took the spear and the pitcher of water from beside Saul’s head, and they made off. He took some things belonging to Saul as evidence that he has no evil intentions towards him and moved on! This gesture made Saul grief badly and beg for mercy! Child of God, you need to live well and move on. I tell you, all who deliberately hurt you will surely come begging and apologising.
TASK: Give up every thoughts or revenge or retaliation, forgive and live well. Go before the blessed Sacrament or look at the crucifix and pray:
Jesus I give up every evil thought to avenge those who hurt me!
Holy Spirit of God, melt my heavy heart and let the Joy of your presence fill me now, in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
I forgive them now (mention names if any) and let the Holy Spirit touch their hearts to repent.
If they refuse to repent and continue evil, let your Divine vengeance and wrath befall them, in Jesus name.
And may they that are bent on bringing me down fall into a deep sleep never to notice me till I succeed and prosper in Jesus name. Amen
You were just talking to me.
Amen and Amen. Lord, heal me of all hurt feelings and desires to avenge myself
Amen.
Unforgiveness and thoughts of vengeance bears a deep weight on the soul…… Thank you Padre for this reminder. Happy Sunday