Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.”
Scripture for
reflection: Colossians 3:8
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath,
malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
Rev. T.G. Morrow
tells us in his article “Overcoming
Anger” …it can help to have a friend who is peaceful to calm you down. St.
John Bosco was used to settling things with his fists and his strength when he
was young. Then, he met a new student by the name of Luigi Comollo. Luigi
refused to fight when one student threatened to hit him if he didn’t join in
their boisterous game. When the boy did hit him, Luigi said, “Are you
satisfied? Now go in peace. I have already forgiven you.” Bosco immediately
made friends with Luigi, seeing in him the example of gentleness John wanted.
When some time later the boys started picking on Luigi, John picked up one of
the boys and swung him around, sending four boys to the floor and the rest ran
for cover. Luigi later counseled John, “I am amazed at your strength. But, God
didn’t give you strength to wipe out your friends. His will is that we should
love one another, forgive one another, and return good for evil.” John became
close friends with Luigi thereafter, happy to come under his peaceful
influence. Sometimes you can turn acquaintances into helpers by simply
discussing with them what you are striving for. Tell them the kind of support
you would like in order to accomplish your goals. (Catholic Family Quarterly, July 2012).
Prayer: Prayer of
St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
My thoughts: I
have read the life of St. John Bosco, and he truly is a saint for our times.
His contribution to the lives of poor boys is legendary. Yet I wonder if he
could ever have become a saint if his good friend Luigi hadn’t stepped into his
life and had the courage to change it. St. John Bosco was very tough, and
somewhat angry, and let his strength do his talking for him when he was mad.
Luigi, on the other hand, had the peace of Christ about him. He could have just
walked away from John and let him run himself into the ground with his anger,
or he could have made John “right” just to keep him as an ally, but he didn’t.
He loved John enough to show him a better way to live. That is what we are all
called to do. Many times it is so tempting to just leave the world’s bullies to
themselves, and to their ultimate destruction. But is that Jesus’ way? If it is possible to show them a better
way, to point out that peaceful measures are ultimately better, then shouldn’t
we try? And if we are the hot-heads who have resorted to flinging hurtful
words, angry gestures or mean and retaliating actions, then maybe we should listen
to our friends who are trying to help us. God sends people into our lives for a
reason. Either we can try to move people in the direction of peace, or we can
take steps to move ourselves that way. If all else fails, promise to always
pray for your offenders, and pray for yourself. Never become a bully. You will
always lose, for the road to heaven is paved with those who seek peace, not
those who know how to get even.
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