GOSPEL POWER l JUNE 13, 2022 - MONDAY of 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Anthony of Padua, priest  and doctor of the Church

Gospel: Mt 5:38-42 

Jesus said to his disciples, 38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye  for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, Do not resist  an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the  other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give  your cloak as well; 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also  the second mile. 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not  refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” 

The ancient law of talion, which is also practiced in  Israel (Lv 24:20), seeks to regulate the act of retaliation,  so that vindictive emotions may not drive the aggrieved  party to exact from the offender a measure that exceeds the actual  damage or loss suffered. However, Jesus sees that the law of talion  still endorses an interchange of violence, thus perpetuating its  vicious cycle. It has no power to transform hearts and relationships.  Violence feeds on the same energy. What Jesus recommends is to  consciously stop generating the same energy by refusing to retaliate,  then overwhelming the other person with one’s willingness to risk  exposure to further violence for the sake of peace. Placing oneself in  this vulnerable position means adopting the divine logic of power-in-weakness. This is the logic of the cross, which alone has the power to  transform hearts and relationships. Lord Jesus, in a world full of violence, help us to make a difference by  being uncompromisingly nonviolent. Amen