We live in an emotionally charged, partisan world. It is important we remember that those who we might believe are against us are fellow sinners with names and souls, who themselves are tried and tempted by the devil. There’s no need to attack them. There is need to love them.

Today we see one of the disciples violently lash out against someone who opposed Jesus. Blood was even shed! Jesus response to Peter’s self-defense? “No more of this!” Jesus teaches us that he is always in perfect control. Thus, in these emotionally charged times, we can show restraint, even love, just as he did.