Comments on: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, February 23, 2020-“HOLINESS…the less travelled path”

By: Darlene

Darlene — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 19:25:47 +0000

Father Lawrence, Thank you for your postings today. I understand the concept and through my life have worked hard to forgive others and at time myself for my response to others. Not easy but so worth the journey as when I finally reach the real forgiveness there is a peace for me that brings home the very reason I need to always try. I feel that forgiveness may not return to a prior level of closeness but it does give me peace of mind and heart. My current concern is watching the political division of our country, not just a difference in approach or ideas which is healthy and normal, but the hatred and horrible divisions among people and the pettiness it brings out. I see evil winning in so many areas with the spewing of hatred and bigotry in our news media, social media and people’s behavior. I am praying that our nation can learn to disagree with dignity, vote with conscience, live together with harmony and stop the goading and tawdry insulting. It seems too real and too deep to be just political banter. I pray Father that this does not tear our nation apart, but I fear that it needs prayer and change from a large number of people for this to be prevented. Thank you again for bringing the point of this to the table, we all need it, and I am grateful for the lesson today!

By: Mike Ruzza

Mike Ruzza — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:10:10 +0000

Wow father!! You outdid yourself with this posting. I had to reread several times over a few parts. A lot to think about and digest. Thank you very much for all you give to us Father O. God bless you!!

By: yet another Anonymous

yet another Anonymous — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 17:27:41 +0000

Your writing today will no doubt challenge many minds and hearts and lead to deep contemplation, soul-searching, and prayer. Your additional comments above are also very helpful. Thank you, Father. God bless and give you strength and wisdom in your vocation.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 17:08:51 +0000

Thanks For for your quick response.. Anonymous one above…my prayer is one day the Catholic moment sets aside another section for questions and answers..Christianity is at times difficult for me to understand though am a Christian…I often find myself in the group that asked Jesus..in Luke 18.26…” who then can be saved” At one point we are encouraged to pray at another the Bible says God doesn’t hear prayers of the unrighteous…Anyway I will continue striving to understand it more.God bless you For Lawrence

By: Father Lawrence Obilor

Father Lawrence Obilor — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 14:08:57 +0000

ANONYMOUS
Forgiveness is the most difficult path to walk on, but anyone who succeeds in walking on this path is a hero. Let the one forgiven know that he or she is forgiven. It doesn’t depend on you to determine whether he accepts or not. It is the work of the Spirit. It’s just like conversion. A priest can be the best preacher among his fellow priests, and yet he may have the worst congregation. We only preach while the Conversion comes from the Holy Spirit. If you have forgiven and still feel that your forgiveness has not been accepted, my dear it is path of your passion on the road to calvary. Sometimes it takes long time because the road is rough. But I assure you it will end in glory as long as you keep the faith..and your cross will be converted to glory.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:24:24 +0000

Thankyou Fr. for trying to clarify Anonymous question, as I too am dealing with this in my life right now. Yes, I understand I must be praying for this person, but have I really forgiven him in my heart and mind? Do I ever want to see him again? I would if he would acknowledge what he did was wrong, but he doesn’t. It is all about him and his happiness. So because of his sin I am now sinning too. I believe and have faith, So because he does not, my Lord is expecting me to do what? Have him back in my life, accept him to continue what he is doing. I cannot pretend that I am OK with him. This is such a struggle for me.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 11:59:34 +0000

Amen!! Thank you for this!
Lord, let me see others in the light of your mercy. Allow me to live in love rather than fear.

By: Father Lawrence Obilor

Father Lawrence Obilor — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 10:49:09 +0000

TO THE ANONYMOUS
WRITER
According to the famous Albert Einstein, “A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is built for.” Jesus’ intention was to help us distinguish between social morality and christian morality. And going from the context of “Eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth”, this is purely a social morality, and it works well in a world of violence. But in a christian morality it cannot hold. It simply entails that a christian morality is meant for another standard of living…not only for the citizens of this world but for those who have also applied for heavenly citizenship. Jesus did not say we should not seek for justice for whatever belongs to us. No, on the contrary he simply teaches us to apply prudence, an active non-violent resistance and also learn to let go in certain situation. Letting go calls for a deep-seated sense of sacrifice. Oppressors will always exist. Robbers will always be there. Wicked men and women will always cohabit with us till the end of the world. Nothing will stop wickedness because life itself comprises of harmony between evil and good. Now this is the difference. We don’t choose to let go just in passivity, rather when we choose to let go, it must be consciously meant to promote peace and again actively go in prayer for the conversion of the heart of wickedness.
Let us not undermine the power of prayer. Only prayer was able to save Daniel from his enemies and from the lion den. Only the prayer of Susan was able to stir the spirit of God to send Daniel to her rescue. When the pains grow deep, we must learn to go deeper in prayer.
This is a virtue we are losing today as Christians. Prayer is not just a ritual recitational and mechanical devotion: prayer must spring from the spirit for it to be prayer. And we can only get that if we are connected with the Spirit of God.