Being held hostage in what we cling to

Homily for Thursday June 18, 2026

Sirach 48:1-14, Ps. 97, Mt. 6:7-15

Being held hostage in what we cling to

Being held hostage by resentment, anger, regret, hostility, wounds, and trauma is not near the heart of God. Being freed from resentment, anger, regret, hostility, wounds, and trauma is near the heart of God. Being set free is what heaven and eternal life are. Living in constant reminder of our misery is hell and damnation. It is a choice we make. What is it that we cling to that holds us back from getting closer to God? Do we need more of God’s grace to let go of something that is holding us hostage in evil thoughts for another? Those evil thoughts for another human are not from God. God is asking us to trust Him. He will take care of what has hurt us. Let Him. Planning our revenge is not our path to eternal freedom.

We have the great grace this day to be near to Jesus on the Cross and to offer the great merciful action of forgiveness. There is something. What is it? Who is it? What was it? Who was it? What makes our blood boil and the hair on the back of our neck stand up? Don’t be afraid. Name it. Name them. Do not scorn them. Pray for them. Offer them and the wounds you bear at the Foot of the Cross. Ask Jesus to take them and do what He pleases. Walk away and ask to be healed.

I guarantee if you try this that God will fill that void with tremendous love. That place that we have been holding something not of God, He will heal that wound, fill that space, and pull you close. When we pray those words, Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us we will be led away from temptation and directed away from evil. It is true. This is what prepares us to receive the Eucharist. Turning over someone dead. Inviting new life.

Be healed for your faith has set you free. In your faith, turn over all resentment, hurt, anger, guilt, hostility, or wound. This truly is the ordinary action of God’s love for us and our path to holiness. We can become addicts of our own misery. Seek recovery from that addiction. Silence before the Cross. He is waiting for us.