OUR HIGHEST GOOD

When Carol and her husband Jim moved to their new place, they had to find a church. It is not practical to travel 2 hours one way just to go to a church. They finally decided on one. The people were very nice, friendly, and they feel very welcome.

One parishioner became over friendly to the couple. He was always there to offer his help to them, even mention their every activity in the congregation whenever praises and prayer requests were asked for.

Carol did not know that he does the same everytime there's a new female member that come in. She was touched by the extra attention. This man does not only represent the physical attributes she was wishing for when she was younger, he also knows how to treat a woman right. And so Carol fell for him. 

Carol told Jim about it. Jim cried but he did not condemn her. He asked her to stay. He talked to her and prayed to God about it. He is not giving up. It truly hurts but he vowed to love her for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. 

Meanwhile, Carol was very determined to be with the man of her dreams. Imagine, he was single and he could have chosen a single woman but he chose her instead. So she started being ugly towards Jim. But Jim's love persevered. He let Carol drive his car even though he knows where she was going.

Jim did n0t give up. He did all he can to save their marriage. God heard Jim's prayers (finally) after 2 months. Carol did not leave him. She stayed with Jim. Jim's love for Carol did not diminish at all.

My friends, it sounds like a good story from a book but this one is true. I've read it somewhere. 

On Wednesday, 13 May 1981, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican City, Pope John Paul II was shot and critically wounded by Mehmet Ali  Ağca while he was entering the square. The Pope was struck four times, and suffered severe blood loss. 

Following his shooting, Pope John Paul II asked people to "pray for my brother (Ağca), whom I have sincerely forgiven." Although Ağca had been quoted as saying that "to me [the Pope] was the incarnation of all that is capitalism", and had attempted to murder him, Ağca developed a friendship with the pontiff. In 1983, he and Ağca met and spoke privately at the prison where Ağca was being held. The Pope was also in touch with Ağca's family over the years, meeting his mother in 1987 and his brother a decade later.

My friends, what separates a true Christian from the others is GRACE. Grace is treating others not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated -- with loving kindness and tender mercy. God is good to the just as well as the unjust. His love embraces sinners and saints alike.  

God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us.

Yes, it is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. But it is very very hard when we can expect nothing in return. Would you lend money to somebody whom you know could not repay you even though they promise you they will? 

Our prayers for those who do us wrong both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.

How was Jim able to forgive Carol and still love her unconditionally? What made Pope John Paul II ask for prayers for Mehmet Agca and call him my brother? How can we possibly love those who cause us harm and ill-will? 

My friends, our highest good is to be able to treat others with love just like Jesus did. With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. 

Most loving Father, we are sinners and there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. Your grace is enough. May we in turn show grace and mercy to others with the help of Your Holy Spirit. In the most precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Meditation: Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”

--that in all things God will be glorified