19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you.
These words from Ephesians present a challenging task. Reflecting on the cost of living them in our relationships may cause us to echo the words of Elijah, “This is enough, O Lord.” (1 Kings 19:4). Actually, this may be too much! And so, like the people Jesus encounters, we begin to murmur. How can I be compassionate to someone who has hurt or ignored me? Indeed, this does not refer to this person, that group, or the situation I am in right now.
And yet, it does. Paul says: “Be imitators of God as beloved children and live in love as Christ loved us.” What a succinct expression of the task we face on our journey of life!
Left to our own devices, we are incapable of being the loving people the Lord calls us to be. Like Elijah, the Lord touches us and invites us to experience his presence and nourishment. Jesus, the Word of God, speaks of God’s love for each of us and his vision of who we are to become. Jesus loves each of us and gives us an example of how we are to live and love as he does. Jesus, the bread of life, gives us the nourishment we need to become his body, wisdom, and love in our world.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s words are encouraging. He likens the Eucharist to a divine treasure containing every virtue and encourages us to draw from it. We come to receive the nourishment needed to continue the journey of letting go of the attitudes and judgments that prevent us from living in love.
Who waits for my love and forgiveness today?
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, increase our hunger for the nourishment you provide for us. Nourish us that we may bring forgiveness, acceptance, and love to those who hunger for hope and peace. Amen.
