Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 5:38-42
June 13, 2022 | Monday

Today’s Gospel

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.

Today’s Reflection:

“An eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth.”  This is called the law of retaliation.  It was intended to limit the extent of vengeance to the person who inflicted injury.  Today, Jesus tells us not to oppose evil with evil. His law is the law of love where there is no room for retaliation. If we oppose evil for evil, we would just be inviting more evil to come to us. Jesus teaches us to overcome evil with good. Justice as commonly understood means giving what is due. The justice for Jesus is this: treating others as God wishes them to be treated. Jesus challenges us that when we are being oppressed or if someone tempts us to do violence, we should show them who is the better person. The better person is always someone who continues to do good despite the evil that comes his way. /Vulnerasti, 2022