Tolerance in Mission
Jesus was very clear when he said that since he was hated, rejected and finally killed, this too will happen to us as his disciples and partakers in his mission. But how do we respond to this hatred and rejection which we face daily in our different missions entrusted to us by God? We should learn from Jesus on how he treated his enemies, those who hated him, persecuted and finally killed him. On the cross, we see his final words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). In today's Gospels he continues to teach us the virtue of tolerance with those who do not welcome us, those who hate and reject us in mission. When the Samaritans could not welcome Jesus and his disciples, James and John wanted to call down fire and burn the whole village, but Jesus rebuked them and continued his way to Jerusalem.
Love and tolerance are the best ways of evangelization especially to those who find it difficult to accept the gospel message and welcome the gospel heralds. You can't imagine that someone will keep quarrelling with you if you are quiet but when you respond by quarrelling, that quarrel will end in a fight and destruction. Instead of reacting in a violent way, we have to react with love and tolerance, for these weaken our enemies and may finally convert them to become friends and also believe. This has to be accompanied with repaying good for evil. Repaying good for evil is a sign of inner strength, a spiritual strength like the one of Jesus and a non-violent way of solving conflicts. We must not only avoid returning evil for evil, but we must seek the good of those who wish us ill. Remember what makes a disciple of Jesus Christ different from everyone else and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion is grace - treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated - with loving-kindness and mercy. This is what made Jesus the greatest on earth here.
Tolerance is a much-needed virtue today. But aren't we often tolerant of the wrong thing or for the wrong motive? Christian love seeks the highest good of both one's neighbour and one's enemy. When Abraham Lincoln was criticised for his courtesy and tolerance towards his enemies during the American Civil War, he responded: "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" How do you treat those who cross you and cause you trouble? Do you seek their good rather than their harm?
Let us Pray.
Lord God, teach us to love those who hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your love, our Father, who makes the sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. May this guide us to always work for peace. Amen.
Be blessed
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