Two things stood out to me in today’s readings.

First, Paul asks, “What do you possess that you have not received?” That is a pretty good reminder for me. Everything I have is a gift from God. My gifts, opportunities, whatever ability I have to lead, all of it. So why do I spend so much time worrying about protecting an image of myself or what somebody might think of me?

Then a few lines later Paul says, “When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently.”

And in the Gospel, when the Pharisees challenge Jesus, it simply says, “Jesus said to them in reply…”

That stood out to me. Neither Paul nor Jesus just ignores what is happening, but there is also no yelling or screaming. They respond.

I know I can avoid uncomfortable conversations. Sometimes I probably tell myself I am keeping the peace, when really I just don’t want the discomfort or I am worried about how the other person might judge me.

But being a peacemaker isn’t always about keeping the peace. Sometimes loving somebody means having the conversation. The challenge is doing it without needing to win, without getting angry, and without worrying so much about how I look. Just speak the truth out of love and let God handle the rest.

Today I’m praying for the grace to know when I need to speak, when I need to shut up, and when I do speak, to respond gently.

I pray each of you receives the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15; Luke 6:1-5