I recently received the following question by e-mail. I think it represents something all of us wonder about. In today’s world of so much killing, hate and violence and trying to push God out of the way can you touch on why we as Christians should pray and not seek revenge? I see so many Christians that get so angry and hateful and then go on and on about what violent things they would like to do to the perpetrators of such things. I can see getting angry over the injustice of such things but I believe we should hate the sin not the sinner and that we need to pray for them not turn around and do the same type of things that we hate seeing done.

Why should we not get angry and seek revenge? As humans, we live by our emotions. However, as humans we also have the free will to make choices as to how we respond to our emotions. The only way I can answer your question is to look at the example of the crucified Jesus. He was tortured, mocked and brutally murdered. Yet as Jesus hung on the cross, He chose to forgive: Father, forgive them. As Christians, we are called to follow that example.

We must ask ourselves this question, what good do we bring to the world if we behave the same way our persecutors treat us? I have watched many people over the years who held grudges, felt repulsion towards others and carried a running hatred for those who offended them. I cannot think of one person who was not eventually adversely impacted by their attitude. They were filled with depression, anger, frustration and guilt. Their choice not to forgive disabled them. They could not find peace and happiness because they were so consumed with their own bitterness that even their closest relationships were nearly destroyed. Is that the way Jesus wants us to lead our lives?

When Jesus returned to the upper room after His resurrection, He said to His apostles: Peace be with you. My peace, I give to you. We celebrate that gift of peace at every Mass.

One of the biggest problems in society, at least in my view, is that people are rarely held accountable for their actions. Even worse, we do not hold ourselves accountable for what we say and do. Forgiveness does not mean we do not hold people accountable for their actions. Destructive behavior cannot be allowed to continue for the sake of society. It must be corrected or contained. However, forgiveness does mean that we do not react in the same cruel way that we were treated.

As always I thank you for your questions. I have several questions on my desk that I will answer in future articles. Just because your question is not addressed immediately does not mean that I am not going to answer. I promise to answer all questions if they are appropriate for public discussion. You can send your questions to me in one of three ways: via e-mail (deaconmikefranks@comcast.net), drop a note in the collection basket or send your question to my attention at the rectory office. God bless you and I love you all. Deacon Mike Franks