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Usually when I reflect on this Gospel story of Jesus appearing to the disciples in Jerusalem, right after they had been told what happened on the road to Emmaus, I reflect on how the disciples must have been feeling. As I was mulling over what to share in this reflection, I focused more on Jesus.
Jesus had every right to be angry with them or, at least, to reprimand them for abandoning and denying Him. Yet, He knew they were basically good people who had very human weaknesses. If Jesus had focused on Himself and how they had treated Him, if He had shamed them, what would have happened? Would they have been crushed? Would they have left in shame? Would they have been able to recover? But Jesus focused on them and the future: by His gentleness and kind words (peace be with you and why are your hearts troubled?) He put them at ease. He showed them His wounds and ate something to prove He was real. He showed them that He still loved them and they had nothing to fear. He had forgiven them, before they even asked. That enabled them to become the great missionary disciples, spreading the Good News to others. Jesus built them up, rather than crushing them. There is a strong message for us in this: there will be problems and disagreements with others in life. It is part of being human. When we focus on ourselves and our hurt feelings, we look for revenge and want to give the other what they deserve. But, when we can step back, look at the bigger picture, and remember that the other is a good person with weaknesses (like us), we can react more like Jesus did with His disciples. When we do that, when we reach out in peace and not wait until the other has asked for forgiveness, we bring peace and our actions invite the other to be a better person. It is really a win-win, because we are also at peace, rather than angry. I invite us to reflect this week on the wisdom of responding as Jesus did to being hurt or betrayed. It is not easy, but, with His help, we can do it and everyone, including ourselves, will be happier and at peace. A win-win! Church sign of the week: If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and you will always be right. Comments are closed.
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February 2025
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