11th Sunday Ordinary Time - Fr. Leo
Whenever we are hurt we tend to become defensive. It is our natural way of protecting ourselves quickly when attacked. This can lead us to hurt back or seeing the issue as “theirs.” And it may be their issue and not your own. If someone has a problem with the Church and its authority, I can become their target simply by wearing my Roman collar.
At other times, someone may say something true, but in a hurtful way, or it will be perceived as hurtful. At that moment the truth is unlikely to be heard and a strong defense given. Only later might we be able to recognize any plausibility to what was said. We might come to understand the other person’s anger as their issue, but one we may have played a role in.
It is complicated to sort these things out given our and other’s human weaknesses. It may help to pull back from our immediate reactions and allow our frontal cortex an opportunity to review the interaction. The distance between experience and reaction can relieve the emotional intensity and lead to understanding which is key to any resolution of issues.
Seeking understanding requires a global perspective and gives insight into our and other’s behavior. With understanding we may be able to respond with concern and love to others and ourselves.
Jesus lived this loving discernment when he died on the cross for us. He did not condemn those who crucified him. Instead he prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Think of the global heavenly view it takes to utter such a phrase.
In our prayer, let us seek understanding of others and ourselves. Then we can with St. Paul in our second reading, rejoice in Christ’s reconciliation of ourselves with God, and offer this gift to others as it was given to us!