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	THE DESIRE FOR REVENGE

The Gospel

LUKE 3:10-15

The crowds asked [John the Baptist], “What then should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.

The Media -- "Ain't It Fun" (Paramore)

"I don’t mind letting you down easy, but just give it time. If it don’t hurt now then just wait, just wait for a while. You’re not the big fish in the pond no more. You are what they’re feeding on. So what are you gonna do when the world don’t orbit around you? Ain’t it fun living in the real world? Ain’t it good being alone? Ain’t it fun you can’t count on no one. Don’t go crying to your mama ‘cause you’re on your own in the real world.”

Paramore's song "Ain't It Fun" is full of hate and rejoices in the ability to exact revenge on someone. The lady in the once-upon-a-time relationship has been wronged in her mind by her former boyfriend. Wishing evil upon him, she tells him that the real world consists of disappointments and loneliness. The pain of the breakup has caused the lady in the relationship to speak the way that she is.

Contrary to the lady's thinking, the real world is not made up of disappointment and loneliness, but the real world certainly can give rise to much misunderstanding and frustration. We are human beings who have selfish desires that often dictate what we feel, what we say, and how we think. It is as true today as it was in John the Baptist's day as he prepared for the coming of Jesus. He told the people who came to him for Baptism exactly how they should behave. Their guide was not to be revengeful or show hatred toward anyone. John directed his listeners to look carefully at themselves, and see what they were doing to others. It was the same guide that Jesus would use later in his preaching.

We live in the real world, of course, and unfortunately in that real world, we will face times when things do not go the way that we want. Often such times are caused by others for one reason or another, sometimes as a result of revenge that they have shown toward us, sometimes when we only think that others have harmed us and they really have not. At such times it is quite human to think in terms of some type of revenge, if not in action, then in word or thought.

The Christian will look at those times carefully, and hear the directive of a John the Baptist or Jesus to stop the thought and begin looking at ourselves and what we are doing in our lives. As John pointed out to those who followed him, our lives often are not what they should be, and we should spend a little more time working on our own behavior rather than on what others have done to us or how to have more for ourselves.

In the real world, we may want to seek revenge, but in the Christian world, we will understand how evil it is.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, our human natures often want to repay in kind those who have harmed us. We know that it is revenge but we forget about what your Son and His followers have said concerning it. Give us the grace to stay away from revenge and hatred. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We may want to seek revenge, but it will only cause more evil.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. In the Gospel, John the Baptist reminds his listeners that they must share with others. In your opinion, how well do Christians practice “sharing” and “giving” to others?
2.Notice that John the Baptist does not require tax collectors and soldiers to give up their jobs. He merely reminds them to perform the jobs fairly and honestly. In our world today, who should be reminded more than others that they should perform their jobs fairly and honestly?
3.What is your understanding of what the Messiah would do? (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 711-716.)
4. As we consider "revenge" with this Scripture passage, how would "revenge" be part of what the people were doing?
5. Do songs that are so full of hate as this one is have any effect on young people? Yes or no and why?
6. Text analysis: "Ain't it fun living in the real world?" What does this sarcastic question say about the world we live in?
7. What can be done to help a lonely person who has been hurt in a relationship?
8. Give an example of revenge from the world today.
9. What is the best way to work with a "break-up"?
10. As you study the world, what is the most "selfish" action that you see?
11. As you study the world, what is the most kind action that you see?
12. What is best way to "study ourselves" and what our behavior shows?
13. Why is it "human" to think in terms of "revenge"?
14. What is the greatest harm that "showing revenge" can cause?
15. What does the song "Ain't It Fun" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike