Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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."

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus puts a new spin on the old Mosaic Law. He elevates the law above a level of righteousness to one that accounts for grace and love. Our purpose of earth is to bring others to the kingdom of God.  Today’s message gives us the secret.  Many of still today like to practice `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,' but Jesus tells that we must be compassionate and understanding.  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 to be merciful and kind. To do the extra mile to bring joy and happiness into their life. 

 

So why must Jesus tell his disciples this.  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 in moral and ethical thinking; no punishment could exceed the crime. This was the first step in understanding mercy and kindness. But Jesus takes us much further. One must go deeper into ones heart to find true forgiveness without resentment. 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 practiced mercy with unconditional loving kindness. How many wars between nations were started because one person felt they needed to strike back and get even. Usually, “getting even” means magnifying the response and 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 it must involving the loving and merciful hands of forgiveness.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

O merciful and loving Father in Heaven,

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