At times, particularly in early recovery, we might be hypersensitive to the way others have wronged us. Left unchecked, this can lead to long-standing resentment and darken our spirits. However, when we remain open to the will of God and humble ourselves to see others the way we would like to be seen, we can come to be grateful for what our “enemies” can provide.

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” Jesus says. We are called to be merciful in several ways – to those who have wronged us, to those we have wronged, and to ourselves. A few critical movements within the Twelve Steps offer chances to apply the mercy of God to ourselves and others.

Step Four invites us to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This includes an account of our resentments, fears, sexual conduct, and perhaps finances. It is not to be done alone and is to conclude with a recognition of our part in the resentment or wrongdoing. When done with humility and openness, this exercise brings us back into harmony with God, others, and ourselves. It provides an outlet to see the world in a new way.

Let us not fool ourselves – this spiritual work is not easy and none of us like to admit the part we play in harboring resentments. However, unless we take this step, the patterns of behavior or unholy attitudes that leave us stuck will continue to play out in our lives, regardless of the actions taken by others. There is but one person we can change – ourselves – and we need God’s providence daily to do that. Let us not get into the cycle of taking other peoples’ inventory.

A few concluding lines from this Sunday’s Gospel reading mirror the Saint Francis Prayer:

Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.

In preparation for making amends, we are given a chance to pray for those who have wronged us. When done consistently over an extended period, this prayer changes us to become more compassionate and forgiving while opening us to the freedom that comes from fraternal love.

In our daily inventory, we ask God to show us where we have been selfish, dishonest, fearful, or inconsiderate. We avoid morbid reflection and ask God to remove whatever log is stuck in our eye before pointing out the splinter in the eye of our brother or sister. We move forward one day at a time and can enjoy one moment at a time, accepting hardship as the pathway to peace and trusting that He will make all things right if we surrender to His will.

Reflection Questions

• When you hear Jesus’ command to “love your enemies,” who or what comes to mind?
• How do you engage in resentment? How do resentments impact your relationships and overall spiritual life?
• How have you experienced mercy and how do you share it with others?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

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