Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 2025

 Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media and then you see a post that made your blood boil? 

Maybe you even laughed at how ridiculous it was or thought, ‘Here we go again!’ 

Maybe it was from a friend or a relative, and you thought, “I need to say something!” 

But let’s be honest: have any arguments ever been won in the comment section? 

Probably not. 

Instead, those exchanges often make things worse. Social media can escalate conflicts faster than we can type a response.

This is the kind of world we live in—one full of division, tension, and hurt. 

But today’s readings challenge us to ask: Can it be different? The answer is yes.

Look at David in our first reading. Imagine the turmoil in David’s heart—anger, fear, and yet, a deep faith in God’s justice. 

Sharing this internal struggle makes David’s choice even more relatable to our daily conflicts. 

Saul was hunting him down, and David had the perfect opportunity to strike back. 

Saul was right there in David’s crosshairs—defenseless. 

But David didn’t take revenge. 

He chose mercy. He paused, reflected, and trusted God. It wasn’t weakness; it was strength. 

What about us? How often do we have a chance to strike back with words or actions? 

Can we, like David, choose mercy instead?

Then we hear Jesus in the Gospel, and wow—He really raises the bar: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” 

That’s tough, isn’t it? 

But as The Psalm reminds us, “The Lord is kind and merciful.” 

If God shows mercy to us—even with all our imperfections—how can we not extend that mercy to others?

Loving people who hurt us or disagree with us feels impossible. But Jesus tells us this is exactly what we’re called to do.

And He gives us practical steps: Pray for those who upset you. Stop judging. Forgive. 

It’s not easy, but it's the path to peace. 

So how can we live this out? Here are some tips:

• Pause before responding – When you’re tempted to react in anger, take a breath.

• Choose mercy – Ask, “Will my response heal or harm?”

• Pray for those who hurt you – It softens your heart.

• Listen with empathy – Try to understand the other person’s perspective.

• Be kind – Even when it’s hard.

• Forgive and let go – Don’t let resentment weigh you down.

• Lead by example – Be the first to say, “I’m sorry,” or “Let’s talk.”

This is how we build bridges in a divided world. This is how we reflect Christ’s love.

I came across this wonderful story that illustrates how choosing forgiveness can change a relationship.

In Detroit, two neighbors were caught in a bitter dispute over property boundaries. Legal battles and harsh words defined their relationship. 

But one day, one neighbor extended an olive branch by inviting the other to a community event. 

That simple act opened the door to conversation, understanding, and eventually, forgiveness. 

Together, they now work on a neighborhood revitalization project. 

One of them shared, “I realized holding onto anger was exhausting. Forgiveness didn’t erase the past, but it gave us a future.”

Like these neighbors, we too can find hope and healing when we choose love over division. 

This is how we build bridges in a divided world. This is how we reflect Christ’s love.