In today's Gospel, Jesus appointed Twelve whom He named apostles and then sent to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
These demons or fallen angels have powers to influence, suggest, deceive and gradually creep into our lives with poisonous relationships, anxiety, anger, cruelty and impatience. Their main goal is to take us away from God by drawing us away from Him. This is accomplished in many ways especially in how we treat one another.
Are we kind to one another? Truthful? Merciful? Just? These are the cures for selfishness, aggressiveness, cruelty, lies and unfaithfulness. We preach the Gospel by how we live.
Pope Francis said in his December 30, 2022 homily, that kindness is an antidote against several pathologies of our society. "May I", "Sorry" and "Thank you" can be powerful arsenals when we meet others.
Put your concerns aside, pay attention to the needs of others, offer a smile, an encouraging word, listen when others are speaking, invite strangers to share a meal, don't gossip, treat people how you would like to be treated. Move forward in life with God.
Kindness and truth will prevail. You should never be a doormat, nor do you have to win every argument. Remember, all is done for love of God.
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