Reach out to others—even those you don’t like

A Reflection for Monday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Find today’s readings here.

How do we overcome our differences when they are so pronounced? How do we love each other in a world where everything feels defined by hate? How do you love someone who might hate you in return? The idea of loving the people you are not inclined to can seem daunting.   

When you fight with a friend, it can be difficult to be the first one to reach out. When you have a rude encounter with a stranger, it can be hard to move on. So many people choose not to, to instead distance themselves. Today, this commandment seems harder than ever. At times, I find myself wondering, is it even worth trying? Sometimes we don’t love one another because we are afraid of being rejected—of not receiving the same love in return. But it’s imperative that we try. 

Maybe this is why we have to be reminded of these things: because it’s not easy, and it’s not always instinctual, but we have the means to do it. And, if we truly want to be loving people, we must. 

This is the commandment that reads louder than all the others. This is the pinnacle message of the Bible, yet so many people choose to ignore it in favor of other decisions that suit their daily wants and needs. Maybe that’s because, at its core, this is the hardest commandment to follow. It’s so easy to judge others, to feel superior, to look down on those we dislike. Finding compassion is often more burdensome and humbling. But that’s exactly why it’s so important. The right thing to do is rarely the easiest option. But we should try to do it anyway. 

What if everyday, we thought to ourselves, “How can I love the people around me more?” Regardless of their mistakes or missteps or unkindness. If we are loved, shouldn’t our instinct be to return that love? If we grant kindness to someone, how do we know they won’t offer it right back? 

Maybe the key is being the one to take the first step.

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