Hate Evil

The Catholic Church teaches that while it is permissible to hate the evil actions of individuals, one must not hate the individuals themselves. This distinction is crucial in understanding the commandment to love one's enemies.

1. Love for Enemies: The teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of loving one's enemies and doing good to those who hate or mistreat us. This command is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of Christian life. Pope Francis highlights that God’s love does not exclude anyone, and even those who oppose us are to be loved as children of God. The call to love extends to all, regardless of their actions, as God loves everyone unconditionally, even when they are in opposition to Him.

2. Distinction Between Person and Action: The Church acknowledges that while one can and should hate the evil actions of individuals, this does not justify hatred towards the individuals themselves. The Catechism states that the commandment of love requires forgiveness of offenses and extends love to all, including enemies. This is echoed in the teachings of Vatican II, which emphasizes that respect and love should be extended to those who think or act differently, while still maintaining a commitment to truth and goodness.

3. Call to Forgiveness: The act of forgiveness is central to overcoming hatred. Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II both stress the necessity of forgiveness as a means to heal divisions and foster peace. They encourage individuals to reject revenge and embrace a spirit of reconciliation, which is essential for personal and communal healing.

4. Practical Application: The Church encourages practical actions that promote love and charity, even towards those perceived as enemies. This includes engaging in dialogue, understanding differing perspectives, and working towards the common good. Pope Francis further emphasizes the need to overcome hatred and revenge, advocating for a culture of forgiveness and charity.

In summary, while the Church teaches that one can hate the evil actions of individuals, it firmly upholds that love for the person must prevail, reflecting the unconditional love of God. This approach fosters forgiveness and reconciliation, essential for personal and societal healing.

Endure it

Even if, from a human point of view, certain sufferings may seem unjust and undeserved, they have their place in God’s plan, and are unfailingly meant for the good of “those who love him”

with the light of holy faith, the soul has seen and understood that you desire nothing but its good, and that whatever you give and permit us to have in this life is given for our sanctification. . . . You should truly endure all for the glory and praise of God’s name.

When I consider the times when I have been confounded by events that seemed so contrary to what I thought God wanted for me, I should be mindful that they were permitted by the Lord’s inscrutable providence for my own good, as difficult as that may be to fathom.

stand immovable 

in the midst of dangers 

rather than to attack them

to endure 

is more difficult than 

to attack.

Psalms 33:15

He fashions their hearts individually;

He considers all their works.

Psalms 33:15 highlights the intimate relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing that God not only creates but also understands each person's heart and actions. The passage states, "He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works," which reflects the belief that God is deeply aware of the inner spiritual life of each individual.

This understanding of the heart is significant in Catholic teaching. The heart is described as the essence of a person, encompassing their spirituality, will, and moral decisions. It is where intentions and aspirations are formed, and it plays a crucial role in one's relationship with God and others. The heart is seen as the seat of reason, discernment, and free will, which are essential for making moral choices and cultivating a relationship with the Creator[^2][^3][^4].

Moreover, the heart is portrayed as a sanctuary where individuals stand before God, reflecting their spiritual state and openness to divine action. The spiritual and moral condition of a person is directly linked to the state of their heart, which is why it is vital to nurture and protect it from negative influences[^3][^4][^5]. 

In summary, Psalms 33:15 serves as a reminder of God's personal involvement in the lives of individuals, shaping their hearts and observing their actions, which aligns with the broader Catholic understanding of the heart as central to human identity and spirituality.

Powers of the soul

The powers of the soul, as understood in Catholic teaching, encompass various faculties that enable the human person to engage with the world and pursue their ultimate purpose.

1. Intellect: The soul possesses the power of intellect, which allows individuals to think, reason, and discern truth. This intellectual capacity is fundamental to the human experience, enabling the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of God and creation.

2. Free Will: The soul is endowed with free will, granting individuals the ability to make choices and act upon them. This freedom is essential for moral decision-making and the pursuit of goodness, as it allows a person to seek and love what is true and good.

3. Spiritual Dimension: The soul signifies the spiritual principle in man, which is of greatest value and reflects the image of God. This spiritual aspect is what elevates the human person above the material world, allowing for a relationship with the divine.

4. Moral Conscience: The soul also includes the capacity for moral judgment, which is expressed through the voice of conscience. This moral dimension guides individuals in discerning right from wrong and is integral to the pursuit of a virtuous life.

5. Desire for the Infinite: The soul embodies a longing for the infinite and for happiness, indicating a natural inclination towards God and eternal beatitude. This desire reflects the soul's ultimate purpose and destiny.

In summary, the powers of the soul include intellect, free will, moral conscience, and a spiritual dimension that collectively enable the human person to seek truth, goodness, and a relationship with God. These faculties highlight the integral nature of the soul in the holistic understanding of human existence.

No better than another

Today’s Meditation "He who is humble, even though he fall through frailty, soon repents with sorrow and implores the divine assistance to help him to amend; nor is he astonished at having fallen, because he knows that of himself he is only capable of evil and would do far worse if God did not protect him with His grace. After having sinned, it is good to humble oneself before God, and without losing courage, to remain in humility in order not to fall again . . . But to afflict ourselves without measure and to give way to a certain pusillanimous melancholy, which brings us to the verge of despair, is a temptation of pride, insinuated by the devil . . . However upright we may be, we must never be scandalized nor amazed at the conduct of evildoers, nor consider ourselves better than they, because we do not know what is ordained for them or for us in the supreme dispositions of God." —Rev. Cajetan da Bergamo I am allowed to fall to show I need God and humility Cry for help for daily grace and perseverance  By myself only capable of evil God gives Grace for right behavior  Any good is His good through Grace  Humble yourself and courageously determine to remain humble and dependent  Don’t despair that is the devil trying to make you think you should be something already when in reality God wants you dependent not self reliant If you have good it is grace. Don’t be scandalized by evil at my own or others, each person is ordained to allowed evil so that God can show mercy.  All of us are evil. I am capable of the same evil everyone else is.  Humility and dependence is the narrow road. I must be able to admit that by myself I am evil, any good I have was given by God. I must humbly and dependently ask for mercy, grace, and perseverance. These are the keys to living in God.  Do not be scandalized by evil, yours or others, each person is ordained to be allowed to do their own evil so that God can show mercy if we choose to acknowledge we need it.