Gospel: Matthew
5:38-42
Jesus
said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and
a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When
someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If
anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as
well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two
miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who
wants to borrow.”
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Reflection:
What will
happen if we would become kind to our enemies, if we will not respond to their
mocking? The enemy will simply go away or they might even become our friend.
There is so much hatred in this world because we respond to hatred. We
perpetuate the cycle of anger by anger.
When we
respond to hatred and violence we allow the evil one to take hold of us. And
when the evil one takes control of us it will do nothing but destroy us. And
bring us closer to his kingdom where everyone has hatred in his/her heart.
In our
gospel Jesus convincingly destroys the evil of hatred by love and
humility. Jesus tells us this: “I say to
you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your
right cheek, turn the other one to him as well (Matthew 5:39).
Are we
capable of loving those who despise us and are we willing to humble ourselves
before them? Should we confront them or we simply ignore their insults and
anger? Many regrettable acts of anger would have been avoided if only we have
love and humility in our hearts.
Prayer: O
dear Lord I pray that you give me the virtue of Humility and Love. Sow in my
heart everything that is good. Sow in my heart gentleness, forgiveness and
compassion for those who hate me. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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