Hey there,
No doubt we are living in uncharted times.
The worldwide pandemic has touched each of us, altering some aspects … if not all aspects of our lives.
Then throw in the November election and … if we wrote this as a Hollywood script, they would say it’s too far fetched.
Everywhere you turn, we are pitted against each other.
BLM vs. Back the blue.
Mask vs. anti-mask.
Vaccine vs. no vaccine.
Democrat vs. Republican.
Fraud vs. no fraud.
Trumpers vs. Never Trumpers.
There’s a never ending opportunity to butt heads with our family, our friends, and even strangers.
I personally dislike discord … so I can’t even get on Facebook.
Unfortunately, some disagreements have become quite vocal, even public, and at times physically violent.
Our hopes that 2021 would be a fresh start from 2020 have been dashed.
The rhetoric has increased, censorship has reared its ugly head, and Washington, DC has declared a state of emergency. I’m sure you’re praying for our country and all Americans as much as I am!
Given all the conflict, I thought the timing is right for us to take a look at one of the Capital Virtues: Brotherly Love. We look at why our country is so divided, the importance of kindness, ways to cultivate kindness, a unique way to find inner peace, and how to approach brotherly love.
I’m reminded that no matter what is happening around us, as Catholics we are called to see Christ in everyone.
So if we love our fellow man … even our enemies … and put our trust in the Lord, then it doesn’t matter what else 2021 throws at us. Enjoy this reminder from The Beatles.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. If you need a little extra inspiration, we’ve covered several other virtues that you may want to check out: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, Hope, and Humility.
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A House Divided
Sam Guzman wrote this post after the contentious first presidential debate last September. Here he looks at the underlying cause of the crisis (which has only grown since then) and how we’re called as Catholics to respond. It’s advice we can all use right about now.
A House Divided: Political Chaos, Churchly Conflict, and the Spirit of Christ | The Catholic Gentleman
Cultivating Kindness
Genuflect was also moved after that presidential debate to address the topic of inclusiveness and kindness. It’s worth taking another look back since we’re covering brotherly love. And there’s no duplication here, I promise.
Get Closer to God Through Inclusiveness and Kindness Toward Others | Genuflect
The Importance of Kindness
Kindness does indeed matter and Anne DeSantis is here to help. She offers up some common sense advice. Enjoy.
Why Being Kind Is Important | Catholic Stand
Finding Inner Peace
Christy Isinger says she’s found the best way to overcome anxiety. And it’s not a new form of meditation. Check out her article and scroll down below the readings to find her insightful tip.
Brotherly and Sisterly Love | Blessed is She
Our Common Connection
Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s a little hard to love an enemy. We know all men are created in the image of God, but there’s always that one person. Here’s a new perspective that may help you get that brotherly love feeling for all of God’s children … even that one!
All People Are Walking Tabernacles Of Grace | Catholic Stand
The Pope’s Call to Fraternity
All the discord in the world right now is not missed on Pope Francis. He’s opened 2021 with a call for human fraternity. Here’s what the Holy Father would like us to do.
Pope Francis opens 2021 with a call to fraternity: January prayer intention | Aleteia
St. Augustine’s Take
Who better to learn about loving God and loving your neighbor than from a Saint? Here Saint Augustine breaks it all down for us.
Augustine on Love of God and Love of Neighbor | The Catholic Spiritual Life
Brotherly Love Explained
This one’s for those of you looking for the origins of the term brotherly love, its meaning, what the Bible says about it, and examples of it.
Phileo: Brotherly Love in the Bible | Learn Religions
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