Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord

In this Sunday's reading from Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives us wise words which often go unheeded,

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." No, it is not always possible, and it does not always depend on you. If a crazed individual comes at you with a knife for example. What about when a revisionist priest preaches falsehood and refuses correction? Can there be a peaceful resolution? Should we agree to disagree? 

"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Ultimately, justice will be done.

"Give them something to drink." Serve them up a dose of the truth. 

"Overcome evil with good." Revisionist thought fails when confronted with the Gospel of Christ.