November 23, 2022

There are few problems in life with clear cut answers. What to do when someone criticizes you has, according to Jesus, a clear cut answer. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

Even if you are not being criticized on Jesus’ account, the response is always the same – no response. Hard to do, you say? Well, yes. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is a heck of a lot easier than defending yourself with wasted breath.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes inwhich thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection thosewho, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the
hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity amongus all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (For Families – BCP)