Daily Gospel Reflection for June 20, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Dr. Bob Schuchts is the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center and is known for several of his written works, including the book, Be Healed, which explores the roots of our wounds and offers a road map for biblical healing through prayer, the Sacraments, and ultimately, meeting Christ in our woundedness and allowing Him to transform it. Dr. Schuchts has said that one of the ways one can discern the extent of your healing, or forgiveness for someone who has deeply hurt you, is to examine your level of compassion towards them.

In this passage, Jesus calls for love for our enemies and not just our friends, a juxtaposition for ancient Jews, who were taught “an eye for an eye” mentality. This Gospel is a call for mercy and an acknowledgment that God is merciful to those who sin greatly as well as those who sin “lightly.”

“For [the heavenly Father] makes his sun rise on the bad and good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust." Matthew 5:45

Initially, after being injured, we may really struggle to forgive the person(s) who hurt us. Or we may more easily forgive them quickly but struggle with anxiety or anger when we’re around them later. Rather than causing us to dig into resentment, this can signal us to continue to forgive more and seek healing. If we are to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us, we need to forgive and heal to the point of feeling great compassion towards them. Those who hurt us generally act out of their own poverty. The most loving response we can have to injury is to give back out of our treasure, which is Christ Himself.

Ponder:

Is Jesus speaking to my heart about a need to forgive anyone or more fully forgive anyone in my life? Am I in need of more healing before I am able to forgive?

Pray:

Jesus, I want to live a life fully alive! I know I need healing to forgive more fully and to have more joy. Please grant me the grace and courage to seek healing in any area the Holy Spirit may be prompting me to.

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Initially, after being injured, we may really struggle to forgive the person(s) who hurt us . . . this can signal us to continue to forgive more and seek healing. #DailyGospel

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