Contents
Introduction
This Sunday Gospel reading is still a continuation of the 5th chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew which comprises a series of teachings that Jesus gave on the Mount. We learned from last Sunday’s Gospel that Jesus has not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to complete them; that we should keep and teach others the commandments rather than breaking them and teaching others to do the same; that we should not kill in any way; that we should reconcile with our brothers and sisters before appearing before God to pray and with our offerings; and that we should settle our disputes with our brothers and sisters rather than going to war with them. If we need wisdom to do these, then, this Sunday reading is a practical application of wisdom in our various activities. In Matthew 5:38–41, Jesus makes three radical statements. First, a person should turn the other cheek when someone strikes him or her. Second, the disciples should give those who sue them more than they ask for. Third, a person conscripted by the Roman officers to carry a load for one mile should offer to go two miles. Does this mean that we should never resist when somebody attacks us? Should we let everyone take advantage of us? What exactly does Jesus mean?
Turning the other Cheek
Remember, it needs wisdom for you to understand what Jesus means when he says you should offer the wicked person no resistance. And that you should turn your left cheek to a person who has already hit you on the right side. Taking this literally would be foolishness. It can only be understood within its context. Wicked people not be given any chance and they should be completely avoided. Sometimes, it is even better to confront them. But this needs wisdom because a wicked person is godless and as you know, godless people can do anything because they have nothing and nobody to restrict them. They are people without conscience. They are heartless. Christians should never abuse and misinterpret the words and teachings of Jesus. That your victim turns the other cheek does not mean he/she is an imbecile. That he/she pleads with you not to drag him/her to the court does not mean he/she is wrong.
Conclusion
Last week, Jesus advised us to make wise decisions. This week, he shows us practical application of wisdom in our everyday encounter and interactions with others. Offering the other cheek, going extra mile, offering the outer and inner clothes, giving and lending money to those who beg us, loving our enemies, and praying for those who persecute us, simply means overcoming evil with good. It is not weakness but wisdom. It does not mean allowing oneself to be maltreated. Instead, it means allowing God to repay each according to his or her actions. It is the best form of retaliation. It does not mean praying when you should act, or acting when you should pray. It does not mean not fighting for your right. On the contrary, it means fighting it with wisdom. God loves us and gives to us not because we are good, but because God is good. Since we share in God’s goodness, we should also do good to others not because they are good, but because God’s goodness flows within us. Here, goodness should be understood as justice and righteousness.
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SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I‑II-III)!! The reflection for the 7th Sunday of the year is found in The Word of Life, vol. I, pages 111–121. Happy reading!
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