Homily for Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Our natural human inclination is to be generous to people with whom we feel warmth and esteem. Jesus tells us to go beyond our comfort zone and show goodwill to people outside the circle of those we personally like. Following this teaching will push our generosity to the limit.

According to Jesus, we should reflect some aspect of God in our interactions with others. His love makes the sun shine on the good and the bad people alike, and the rain fall on the just and the unjust. This lifestyle option taught by Jesus is possible only with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who lives among us and within us.

Regardless of the depth of our hurt or the validity of our anger, we can ask God for forgiveness for those who have wronged us. Embracing this act of forgiveness can be a transformative power in our lives.