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Gospel Reading for June 15, 2026 – Matthew 5: 38-42
DIGNITY
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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There are many people who believe that refusing to retaliate is foolish and that it is a sign of weakness.
Animals fight one another primarily for survival. They do not choose between retaliation and forgiveness because they do not possess the moral awareness that human beings have. We, however, know the feeling of wanting to retaliate—not merely to survive, but often to seek revenge. Yet God has given us the freedom to choose otherwise and the strength to restrain ourselves.
For Jesus, the DIGNITY of every human person comes from being created in the image and likeness of God. When we fail to act in a manner worthy of that dignity, we diminish ourselves. We are not called to live by the law of the jungle, where might makes right and vengeance reigns. Rather, we are called to live by the Law of Love. One of the most powerful remedies against the desire for revenge is HUMILITY—the recognition that we all make mistakes, that we all need forgiveness, and that we are all dependent on God’s mercy.
If everyone lived by the principle of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” the world would be consumed by endless cycles of hatred and violence. We need only to look at the conflicts and wars that are presently raging around the world to see the tragic consequences of retaliation and revenge.
Lord Jesus, we pray for all those caught in the crossfire of conflict—the innocent victims of violence and collateral damage, especially the children. Grant them your protection, comfort, and peace. Touch the hearts of those who wage war, that they may choose dialogue over destruction and reconciliation over revenge.
