Reflection for June 16 Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:38-42

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 do we truly gain when we seek revenge on those who have hurt us? Nothing—except more pain, deeper wounds, and greater enmity. In the end, there are no victors in revenge… only broken hearts and lost peace. 

Think of the conflicts that arise in married life. If a wife, for instance, were to retaliate against her husband’s betrayal—say, through infidelity—what would follow? The sacred covenant of marriage would slowly fall apart. Not only would the couple suffer, but their children, too, would be caught in the heartbreak. Everyone loses when revenge takes the lead. 

But Jesus offers a better way. 

In giving His disciples a new command, Jesus goes beyond the old law of retaliation and retribution written in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. He invites us not to repay hurt with hurt—but to respond with humility, forgiveness, and grace. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us to build bridges, not walls. His words are not just wise—they are life-giving. His command leads us away from conflict and misunderstanding and toward peace and reconciliation. 

Can we truly live out these teachings of Jesus? Yes—if we abhor hostility, if we clothe ourselves in humility, and if we genuinely love the Lord. His grace makes it possible. 

Mohandas Gandhi, though not Christian, echoed a profound truth when he said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Indeed, no one wins when vengeance rules. The more we hunger for revenge, the more we destroy ourselves from within. 

So instead of fighting back, let us put on the armor of humility. Let us learn to pray for those who have wounded our pride and stepped on our dignity. This is not easy—it requires great strength, and greater love—but it is exactly what Jesus asks of us. 

Let us remember: If we choose retaliation, we risk losing ourselves. But if we choose Jesus’ way, we gain peace, healing, and eternal grace. — Marino J. Dasmarinas