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Holy Cross Abbey

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Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent

April 2, 2022 by Fr Joseph

Jeremiah’s call for vengeance on those who seek his demise, seems to stand in such contrast to Jesus’ prayer that his tormentors be forgiven, since they do not know what they are doing—a sentiment echoed by Stephen the first martyr with his dying prayer, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. Notwithstanding this obvious contrast, there is a way in which God can honor Jeremiah’s request without being inconsistent with himself. For, the greatest vengeance that God can take on the forces of evil, is the conversion and salvation of the perpetrators of evil—instigated as they are by demonic forces. In this regard, one thinks of Saint Paul and his earlier persecution of the church. In his case, vengeance on the evil done involved his conversion and subsequent saving ministry to the Gentiles. In our anger and frustration at the assaults of demonic forces—bent on derailing our conversion—the greatest vengeance we can take on them, is our sanctification and incorporation into Christ. Let us cultivate this holy vengeance, then, by means of which we not only infuriate our spiritual enemies, but simultaneously give glory to God and secure our eternal happiness.

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