In the Gospel reading today from John 1, we see an encounter between Jesus and Nathanael. Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, says to Jesus, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” This after he had just met Jesus. Be sure to read Jesus’ response.
In the first reading today from 1 John 3, we see some very challenging words. St. John writes, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.” He goes on, “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.”
As moral relativism continues to creep into the collective consciousness of the world today, there seems to be a greatly lowered standard of conduct, of what is pleasing to God. It manifests itself in this statement: “I’ve never murdered anyone! I’m a good person!” While for most people the fact that they have never murdered anyone may be true in a physical sense, is that the highest standard they need to achieve? We would do well to reflect on the words of St. John in today’s first reading. We may think that we have never murdered anyone. But the biblical notion of hating one’s brother may change that. To “hate” in this context means “to love less.” In other words, if we do not show love for all of God’s children, then we are guilty of murder. That’s a pretty high standard to live up to. And impossible – apart from the grace of God.
Father, convict us today of the many murders we commit by not loving others as we should. Give us the grace to live to the highest standards. Amen.
I’m guessing that there is no obvious answer.
The only thing that I can share is that I’m certain God puts difficult people in my life in an attempt to make me more holy. Praying for Mary’s intercession through the Rosary is always a good start to deal with the problem.
I share your pain and have the same question which i have been struggle with for years. I hope i find the answer soon.
Blood wise I have 2 sisters. Who am I supposed to help? Jesus said, "For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Are we supposed to continue to help someone who continuously and consciously does not do the will of God? Am I a murderer for not helping someone who only thinks about they want and takes no responsibility for their actions? There’s only one way, their way. Yea, I know that whatever I do for the “least of my brothers” I do for God but should the rest of the family suffer? Where do we draw the line or do we draw a line? Who are my brothers and sisters?