Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“If any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:38-42

38 "You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.

Which is easier, to strike back with vengeance or to forgive someone who has struck out against you? The message in today’s Gospel reading is quite clear. Man is not to lash out against his enemy, but be merciful and kind. In the very early days of the Jewish clans, retaliation was an issue. Clans would strike out in retaliation if one clan harmed another. The law of retaliation limited the punishment. This was considered a significant advancement moral and ethical thinking; no punishment could exceed the crime. This was the first step to understanding mercy and kindness. But Jesus takes us much further. One must go deeper into one heart. One must be willing to forgive and forget. He tells us that retaliation is not good, it is not kind and it is not merciful. What a better place this world would be if we all practices mercy with unconditional loving kindness. How many wars between nations were started because one person felt he needed to strike back and get even. Usually, “getting even” means hurting a lot of people. When someone lashes out against us, do we seek to even the score or are we willing to let it go. Many people lashed out against Jesus and he never returned hatred with hatred. Instead, he extended his hand in love and kindness. When we retaliate against our aggressor, not only do we hurt that person, but we risk hurting others that we love. Too many times have I heard of friends who have severed their friendship because of retaliation. It is not just the two friends who get hurt, but everyone in their circle. Eventually, the friends are forced to take sides. Vengeance grows and hatred wins. Is there such a thing as just retribution? There probably is to some degree, but is it not better to respond with love.

A Simple Prayer

O merciful and king God,

Fill our hearts with your love and kindness so that it may overflow into all that we meet.

Give me the strength to forgive those who have wronged me.

Let humility and kindness be my retribution for those who have wronged me.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon