Feast of Saint Methodius I of Constantinople

Good morning. We hold on, and on, and on. Instead of letting go, we hang on tightly. So seldom do we seek others out to reconcile, to let go of whatever differences have placed us at odds with one another. No, instead we cling to our anger, our bitterness, and resentments which lead further and further into a dark and empty acrimonious turnstile. If we allow it to, anger will take control of us and every part of our lives. 

In today’s Gospel Jesus clearly cautions us about allowing our anger to take control of us. He says: “whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment… be reconciled with your brother.” Yet, despite this we so much struggle with reconciling with each other. I see this so often with couples. They may well forgive, but they don’t let go; and repeatedly in the midst of quarreling they will resurface all those past resentments. They never let go. 

It is our arrogance, our ego which refuses to let it go. Letting go requires humility and Saint Benedict in the Holy Rule notes that the first step to being humble is to “keep the fear of God before his (our) eyes.” Like Saint Methodius of Constantinople, and as with all the saints, we need to remind ourselves to place our hurts and our anger before God. Recall the words of Jeremiah: “With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Again I will restore you.” If we fail to let go of our anger, it will consume us. When it comes to anger you have two choices, you can control it, or you can allow it to control you. At times we might find it even harder to forgive ourselves; either way, forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. In forgiving, we not only free ourselves, but as Father R. Scott Hurd notes in Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach “forgiveness from our hearts can turn other’s hearts toward God." Forgiveness is freeing. Find forgiveness! Make a great day! 

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and work of Saint Methodius I of Constantinople.