Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter May 13, 2005 Scripture: Acts 25:13B-21; John 21:15-19 Reflection: “It was not a Roman practice to hand accused persons over before they have been confronted by their accusers and given a chance to defend themselves against their charges.” - Acts 25:16 “ His accusers confronted him but they didn’t charge him with any of the crimes I expected.” - Acts 25:18 This scripture event takes me back to the woman caught in adultery and Jesus’ own trial and crucifixion. How shall we handle people whose beliefs, practices and opinions differ from our own? We could be on either side in this story; the accused or the accuser. An attitude of reconciliation demands that we confront and examine the parts of ourselves that make accusations about others. We must ask ourselves these questions: Am I jealous of something in this situation? Am I looking for some type of power over someone or something? Am I intolerant of differences? Do those differences somehow threaten me? When we answer these questions within ourselves, then we can stand on the side of the accused with understanding and peace without a need to fight back. Suggested Action: Use the above questions to examine a difficult situation in your life, past or present and put it to rest today. Sr. Mary Elizabeth Muir, IHM Forest Hills, New York

Graphic: Sr. Donna Korba, IHM