I also withhold My punishments only because of you. You restrain Me, and I cannot vindicate the claims of My justice. You bind My hands with your love (Diary, 1193).

Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, opens his homily by declaring that the true test of love which distinguishes Christians is the love of the enemy. He reminds us that Christ commands this love, and that it is the hallmark that sets the Church apart from both believers and non‑believers. By examining the lives of the saints, we see that genuine love is measured not by affection but by the willingness to wish the good of the other, especially their salvation, even when that person has caused us great pain.

God's Mercy After a Loss: How do we reconcile life's terrible tragedies with God’s mercy?Father Chris Alar explains, sharing his own personal story of conversion through the suicide of his grandmother, the power of Divine Mercy, and his witness that God can create a greater good from any tragedy.Discover what is the Catholic teaching on Suicide and other Tragedies on this episode of Explaining the Faith.