As an elementary school social worker, I spend a lot of time talking with students about their emotions—especially emotions that arise when they are insulted by another peer or perceive an injustice. The way I frame it to our students is in terms of reacting versus responding.

A reaction is immediate, impulsive behavior, such as yelling an insult back at whoever teased you or storming out of the classroom when you lose a game. However, a response is a choice to act in a calm, thoughtful manner, such as taking a deep breath and asking a teacher if you can take a break or telling yourself that it’s just a game.

Responding requires the ability to regulate emotions, so first, I teach breathing techniques and thinking strategies that can help us find ways to hit the pause button when our emotions are rising. Not only does this help our students stay calmer during times of stress, but it also helps them find more productive, healthier ways to solve problems and act with kindness and empathy.

Today’s gospel calls us all to respond rather than react. Although our natural reaction might be to seek revenge, argue, or harden our hearts, we are called to respond with humility, patience, and generosity. Just as my students are learning, we all need to find ways to hit the pause button when our emotions begin to rise, so that we can respond as Jesus calls us to.

We are challenged to respond with love every day and to make this our daily responsibility. This is an active choice that requires practice and patience with ourselves and others, but by doing so we can hope to be ready and willing to respond to anyone in need.