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Gospel Reading for June 16, 2025 – Matthew 5: 38-42
COLLATERAL DAMAGE
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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In short, the only way to fight evil is to be good. RETALIATION is never a solution because it will just be a never-ending affair. A classic example is what’s happening now in the Middle East. How many people have been displaced? How many lives have been lost? How many homes and places of work have been destroyed? Pity the people who have to always be on the move to avoid being hurt, to avoid death. Pity the children and the elderly who are helpless. Pity the sick who are unable to be treated because even hospitals and doctors are not exempt from all these. Pity the people who have nothing to eat, nothing to drink because organizations that provide relief goods are not able to reach them, some even die in the crossfire. COLLATERAL DAMAGE is too much of an injustice!
We pray for people who have to suffer and die for decisions their governments make.
