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Gospel Reading for June 17, 2024 – Matthew 5: 38-42
ENDLESS
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.”
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For a lot of people, this gospel reading does not make sense at all. Why return good for evil? Why let people have their cake and eat it too? Some people think this is the FOLLY of Christianity. St. Paul calls us FOOLS FOR CHRIST and describes it very well in 1 Cor. 4: 10-17.
So, how can being a fool be good?
Jesus’ teachings are taken as illogical because they usually go against or at the most, are different from the way most people in the world would do. But, if you read them with your heart, what would seem illogical becomes logical. Returning evil for evil is the reason why we have ENDLESS wars, struggles, fights inside and outside the family, squabbles among relatives, and so many other conflicts there can be. It will ruin so many people’s lives, making happiness and peace (which all people deserve), difficult to achieve. It is such a waste of time and energy to keep retaliating, when one day you just drop dead.
ENDLESS CONFLICT = ENDLESS EVIL.
Lord, help us develop forgiving and understanding hearts!
