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 we pray that you give us the virtue of Humility,
Forgiveness and Love. Sow in our hearts everything that is good. Sow in our
heart gentleness, forgiveness and compassion. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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