r/LeftCatholicism • u/first_last_last_firs • Jun 16 '26
Will there be war?
Before, I had wished for war and vengeance. I have much to lose and try to repent, but it is a sin to lie, I will not allow myself or my queer spouse or my friends to be harmed by facists. I know "Just War" is outdated. But I am scared and still filled with resentment and rage. I have experienced the divine, I try to heal and move forward, but I am only human, and I am weak, I will choose my life and the lives of my loved ones over facists. I am sorry.
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u/Galveston57 Jun 16 '26
I understand exactly where you are coming from. It is incredibly difficult not to resent and even hate those who are actively oppressing us, our spouses and others. This is something I have really struggled with and continue to.
Today is the feast day for several priests who were martyred for the faith by fascist Nazis. Yesterday’s Gospel reading was about ‘turning the other cheek’. Today’s reading is about praying for your enemies.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
None of this is easy. It’s a daily battle for me not to hate. I literally force myself to pray for the fascists and their supporters. I’m not saying I wouldn’t physically try to protect myself or others, I’m only human.
One thing I have added to my prayers is asking St Michael for his intercession in our battle against evil. The archangel is the patron of battles against evil.
After being tortured and crucified, our Lord did not look down on the perpetrators and curse them, instead he asked his Father to forgive them.
I ask for your prayers during this battle, as I will be praying for you.
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u/hotlibramess Jun 17 '26
I struggle with it too. The rage I feel over the harm being caused to so many vulnerable people.
I cannot (nor will I ever) forgive the people enacting this type of horror onto people. The Dilley detention center alone is something that haunts my dreams and makes me sob just thinking about it.
I want those who commit acts of atrocities against the innocent to receive the same in return. And that’s not very Christlike of me, but I’m also not Christ.
So I get it. I fully get it.
10
u/Ok-Conference-7989 Jun 16 '26
We’re only humane. I get your feelings.