Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard, that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other.If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who
wants to borrow from you.
Reflection
Disarming paradox.
The biblical principle of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was already a significant improvement compared to the wild and brutal reactions of those consumed by violence over a wrong suffered. However, it was certainly not sufficient in the Lord’s logic, who proposed an innovative vision. Jesus advocates for a disarming paradox: offering your cheek to those who slap you.
This idea must be well understood, as it is often used to ridicule Christians and persecute them. Jesus himself did not turn the other cheek to the guard who slapped him before the high priest; instead, he asked him why he did so. Turning your cheek signifies maintaining a loyal and convincing demeanor that seeks to foster understanding with those who wrong you. The balance we are required to keep in our society is difficult to achieve but possible: we must not adapt to the growing violence that infects every place, language, and daily habit, while at the same time, we must not be submissive or become the doormat on which everyone wipes their feet in the name of Christian submissiveness. Let us imitate the Lord in his masculine pacifism.
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