Homily for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Spite is a harmful human trait that most people have encountered, either as the target of spite or as the perpetrator of it. Spiteful behavior should be a source of embarrassment for the one who exhibits it. Yet, it is often portrayed as a virtue.[1]

In today's Gospel, the Pharisees displayed great spite toward Jesus. Those who focused on the letter of the law were disturbed by Jesus's emphasis on the spirit of the law, which prioritizes mercy and love. In their opposition to Him, they took the good works that Jesus performed—such as healing the demoniac—and attributed them to the work of Satan, acting through Him. What a contradiction!

Living by Gospel principles can be a challenging journey that often requires us to go against our natural inclinations. However, the transformative power of virtues like forgiveness, humility, charity, and mercy is profound. These virtues can be particularly difficult to practice when we feel wronged, but embodying them is the hallmark of a good Christian and a good person.

Let us pray, today and always, that the Holy Spirit may guide us to wisdom and understanding of ourselves and others when we feel wronged. May our responses bring us closer to God's will.

[1] Angier, Natalie, The New York Times, March 31, 2014