Rejecting the Culture of Resentment

A few days ago Taylor Swift released a new album.  I don’t pay too much attention to her, but talk about the album has been blowing up on social media and people were weirdly emotional about the songs that were released.  While most of the discussion was praising Swift and hyping her up, I came across some commentary that was the opposite.  What this person essentially said is, Taylor Swift has built her career on the hate she has for others.  I agree with this opinion, as it seems some of her most recent music is a reflection of the anger, hatred, blame, and bitterness that is built up in our culture.  As Catholics and Christians, we must do better.  We cannot let ourselves fall into this trap of resentment and bitterness.

It seems as if almost every area of our lives is permeated by this attitude of revenge and destruction.  Music, TV shows, and movies are just the beginning.  People so often complain about being offended by the smallest things, yet, will blatantly speak curse words directly to or about another person.  Using derogatory and negative language towards another person is what is truly offensive.  When we walk over other people to try to lift ourselves up, we walk over Jesus himself.

We are called to live in a way that reflects Christ- his mercy, forgiveness, humility, and love.  If we all strived to be a little more forgiving, a little more humble, and a little more loving, the world around us would change.  To do this, we must remember that we are all sinners who fall short of perfection.  But even greater than our sinfulness and weaknesses is Christ’s life-giving healing and love.

Look at a crucifix.  Look at the wounds, the scars, and the beaten and bloody body of Jesus.  This love that he poured out on the cross is for you and for me and for all who have ever lived.  He died for every single person in this world; even those who you think have wronged you or those who you may have been hurt by.  It is only by His example and help that we have the capacity to love, forgive, and humbly admit when we are wrong.
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Jesus, thank you for your unending love and forgiveness.  Help us walk in your path.  Give us the grace to live counter- culturally and in a way that takes others by surprise.  We are far from perfect, but may all that we do and say be a reflection of You- who are perfect in love, mercy, and humility.  Amen.