It's Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent--time to look inwardly and see the more important things in life, things overlooked in our daily routines. We have people around us--friends and strangers--who may need assistance of any sort. We look after those in need, providing what we can depending on our means. When we meditate on the more profound realities, our quarrels with one another seem very insignificant.
When someone hurts us, saying all sorts of things about us, we seek vengeance almost immediately! We cry foul and look to heaven for some justice. Yet, in spite of that feeling, even calling to God for vengeance, we ourselves do to the 'offending' person what we complained about. The Christian way in dealing with such problems is to look at the crucified Lord and see how much pain and suffering he endured for all of mankind. He didn't do anything to deserve that torture. If one cursed us, we don't curse back but bless. The injustice we endured will be without merit if we take revenge and do the same to them. Jesus said, "To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt (Luke 6.29 RSV)."
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