DON’T LET HURT HAVE THE LAST WORD

Luke 6:27–38 - Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Jesus gives us one of His most difficult commandments today: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This is not easy. When someone hurts us, our first instinct is often to protect ourselves, defend ourselves, or even wish that the other person would experience the same pain. But Jesus asks us to choose a different way—not because the hurt was acceptable, but because love must have the final word.

Forgiving someone does not mean saying that what they did was right. It does not mean that we have to become close to someone who has harmed us or allow ourselves to be hurt again. Sometimes forgiveness simply means I will no longer carry this anger in my heart; I will place this person in God's hands. Think about how often we replay an old conversation, remember an insult, or keep thinking about something someone did years ago. The other person may have moved on, but we are still carrying the burden. Jesus invites us to put that burden down.

So today, let us ask ourselves honestly: Who is the person I am still carrying in my heart because of what happened between us? Perhaps I cannot change that person or what happened, but I can ask God to change what that hurt is doing inside me. Pray for that person—not because they deserve it, but because you deserve the freedom that forgiveness brings. And remember Jesus’ words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Our Christian life is not about giving people what they deserve; it is about giving them what God has given us—mercy.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler