Thought for the week

IT happens, sometimes, that we get hurt by those who are so dear to our hearts. The more we love the deeper the hurt would be.

The Holy Bible expressed this feeling in the Book of Zechariah, “And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends” (Zechariah 13: 6) and also in the Book of Psalms, “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng.” (Psalm 55)

Firstly, we would need to forgive. Forgiveness is useful in many aspects, not the least of them that one would regain inner peace.

A wise person said: “Anger is the punishment you punish yourself with for someone else’s mistake.” Forgive but take action when it is necessary. Explain yourself politely, recognize and try to avoid the things that led to your upset.

Also, lower the level of your expectation. Don’t expect to see your dearest as an angel. We are all human; we all do mistakes. But this is the rule of love, which is to accept, correct and complete what is missing.

Maybe you need to change yourself. Maybe you are extra sensitive or easily provoked. Perhaps you are a provocative person.

Finally, be grateful, for gratitude is an amazing remedy for all the pains of the soul.

Fr John Saleeb