Second Wednesday of Lent

Heed me, O LORD, and listen to what my adversaries say. Must good be repaid with evil that they should dig a pit to take my life? Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them.

Not all of our good deeds will be repaid with good. Sometimes those we help will be indifferent to what we have done for them or take it for granted. Other times, the people we help will complain about what we’ve done or how we’ve helped them. Still others will repay our kindnesses with evil and persecution. However, we shouldn’t let the apathetic or negative responses keep us from doing what is right. It is easy to treat others well when they do the same to us... much harder when they dismiss or despise our help. But just as Jesus loved and forgave even those who persecuted and mocked him on the cross, so too are we called to love and forgive those who repay our good deeds with evil.

Are we able to put aside the responses others have to our good works and simply do what is good because it is right and just? Are we willing to turn the other cheek to and do good for those who are our adversaries? Do we pray for those who repay us with evil?

O Lord, turn away your wrath from those who transgress against us.

Amen.