Reflection for June 17, 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:

Do you know that exacting revenge against someone who wronged you will not do you any good? For example, if you discover that your spouse is unfaithful to you, and you get back at your spouse by being unfaithful as well, do you know that you are only enveloping yourself in sin? 

There’s a psychological study that says that when a person is at the height of his anger that person momentarily loses his rationality. This is the reason why a person commits sin that is unthinkable for that person to do. 

In the gospel passage this Monday Jesus told the disciples: “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 (Matthew 5:39-41). 

Jesus did not retaliate for all the punishments and insults that His persecutors did to Him. He was always meek and humble. May we always be meek and humble also to those who sin against us most especially sin inside the marriage covenant. 

May we learn to turn the other cheek, hand our cloak and learn to walk some more miles for the sake of peace and eventual harmony inside the marriage covenant. 

Instead of retaliating with the betrayal of the marriage covenant, which will only lead to sin, why not engage in dialogue, prayer, and forgiveness? Or why not simply walk away and live a quiet and solitary life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas