Responding to Insults and Oppositions (Monday, Holy Week)

Many of us hardly treat injustice, attacks, criticisms and insults with kid gloves especially when we are at the receiving end. Consciously or unconsciously, we often react in a certain way to injustice, ridicules and insults. In response to attacks, insults and injustice, some people choose to do or say nothing; while others choose violence or force.

To be silent, to endure insults and to suffer injustice quietly without doing anything to correct it is not a good approach. Anyone who consciously chooses to do nothing about evil or injustice passively collaborates in it and encourages it to thrive.

Using force or violence shouldn’t be a good approach either. Of course, violence destroys more than it intends to correct. We know what has become of those societies or countries that have employed extreme form of violence or force in correcting injustice.

In Isaiah 42:1-7, Isaiah talked about the “SUFFERING SERVANT” whom he described as “not crying or lifting up his voice, or making it heard in the street…till he has established justice in the earth” (cf. Isa. 42:2.4). Just like the “suffering servant” described by Isaiah, Christ was violently attacked in word and deed by His enemies. But He did not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street… and He never failed to establish justice in His time. Jesus did not treat insults and attacks with kid gloves. He defended his position, but with respect and politeness. When Mary anointed His feet with a costly ointment, Judas criticized her for wasting money and indirectly criticized Jesus his master. Gently Jesus responded: “Let her alone… The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (Jn. 12:6-8).

  

When we face direct attacks, injustice and insults, how do we react? Do we react VIOLENTLY or do we choose to SAY OR DO NOTHING about it? What if we take a Christ-like approach: standing up for justice and defending the cause of right with gentleness, politeness and respect? Sometimes, in our bid to correct wrongs, many of us react so angrily to the extent that we end up muddling up issues and causing more damages! Let us learn from Jesus who was GENTLE and HUMBLE of heart! This is difficult to understand or accept but that is the way of Christ. Peter advises us in these words: “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with GENTLENESS and RESPECT” (cf. 1 Pet 3:15-16).

Prayer:

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto yours, Amen!

Have an impactful Holy Week!