HEALING THE WOUNDS OF HATREDNESS

 Divine Appeal Reflection - 228

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 228:  "There is too much hatred in today’s society."

Our Adorable Jesus peers down upon the earth and sees the deep wounds of hatred that are consuming souls. Families are divided, siblings refuse to talk to one another, and communities are being torn asunder by resentment. In the workplace, colleagues plan revenge rather than reconciliation. Social media are ablaze with anger as people tear each other down across the spectrum of human opinion. Even in the Church itself, priests and consecrated souls sow discord through jealousy and rivalry, which rail against the unity dear to the heart of Christ. If hatred isn't checked, it poisons the soul and plunges one into a state of spiritual blindness (cf. 1 John 2:11). Our Lord weeps for those who allow that darkness to set in, for He calls all to be instruments of His peace.

The devil, the deceiver of souls, uses hatred to turn hearts away from God. Many priests and religious live in silent conflict, refusing to forgive one another for past offenses. Some become indifferent to their fellow clergy, speaking harshly instead of offering fraternal support. Lay faithful, too, harbor resentment against their parish Priests, criticizing rather than praying for them. Marriages crumble as spouses hold on to years of bitterness, unwilling to reconcile. Hatred is not just seen in grand acts of violence but in daily choices—unkind words, cold silences, and an unwillingness to seek forgiveness. This is how division takes root, leading to even greater sins (cf. James 3:16).

Hatred is overcome day by day through acts of humility and love. A priest who feels offended by another priest must forgive instead of allowing bitterness to grow. The religious sister who feels left out must not be preoccupied with envy; instead, she must accept and live her vocation with joy. Spouses should seek humility and reconciliation instead of continuing to nurse their pain in silence. Parents must teach their children that love, in truth, triumphs over anger. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that, according to justice and charity, peace is not merely the absence of conflict (cf. CCC 2304). Therefore, all genuine disciples of Christ must reject hatred in all its forms and replace it with love.

Our Adorable Jesus calls every soul to be a beacon of love in a world filled with hatred. Clergy must unite in fraternal charity, supporting rather than wounding one another. Religious communities must be schools of holiness, where forgiveness is practiced daily. The lay faithful must resist the culture of anger and vengeance, choosing instead to pray for those who hurt them. Christ has shown the way—on the Cross, He forgave even those who crucified Him. This is the love that must reign in every heart, the only force capable of healing a broken world.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, You see the wounds hatred has inflicted upon every soul. We bring before You all families, priests, religious, and lay faithful who struggle with anger, division, and resentment. May Your love reign in every heart, breaking the chains of anger and filling the world with the light of Your mercy. We surrender our weaknesses to You, trusting that Your grace alone can transform us. Help us to live in true unity, reflecting Your boundless love to all.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.