Mercy, Not Revenge
Zechariah 8:20-23 | Psalm 87 | Luke 9:51-56
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, the path of the cross. Rejected by the Samaritans, His disciples wanted fire from heaven, but He refused. Rejection is not a license for revenge. Jesus teaches us that anger burns bridges, but mercy builds souls. When you face rejection, do you strike back, or imitate Christ?
The first reading reminds us that people will follow those who reflect God’s presence: “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (Zech. 8:23). Your life may be the only Gospel some people will ever read. If you live in anger and revenge, you repel; but if you live in mercy and patience, you attract others to God.
Today we celebrate St. Jerome, who thundered: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” His life teaches us that the Word of God is our strength against anger and our guide in difficult times. Jesus says: choose mercy. Zechariah says: be a witness. Jerome says: cling to Scripture.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, when anger rises, give us the grace to choose mercy. When I am rejected, teach us patience. And when we grow weak, let your Word be our strength. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
