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. (Mt 5:39)
Turn the other cheek? One of the more popular attributes of Christiany, me thinks. Everyone knows this one probably because it's the most ridiculous ... at least in his or her mind. We bicker and shout and glow red with anger over any number of theological ideas or Catholic views we are expected to abide, but this! No, this recommendation of Jesus can be forgotten because it is unsound, unsafe and unattainable.
I think that Christianity stands or falls on the basis of this 'world view'. It's all about the motive. Do we love our neighbour as we love our-Self? Do we love God and see Him at work in all life? Do we have control over our own minds? Our own reflexes? Do we choose wisely what we think, say and do at all times (and not just when it's convenient)? Do we see our attacker, our accuser, our vilest foe as our brother, yes, who at this moment has chosen an unwise action, but who still is and shall always be a brother to me under God, do i see him as he truly is now, fearful, out of control, lost in emotion, lacking in wisdom, misguided, lost, do i see him and have pity on him and show him the same grace and mercy that God shows us ... even when this brother strikes our cheek? Be as Christ taught us to be. Stand as Christ stands. This is surely what it is to be Christian?
Impossible!
Outrageous!
We would be better off crucifying divorcees, gays, unwed mothers, prostitutes and tax-collectors! Punishing those who are 'evil' and taking our revenge that is so sweet! Taking an eye for an eye is only fair!? If i suffer than they should suffer too!?
Before casting that first stone ... know that i forgive you and say a prayer for you and your pain and suffering as a man lost in the darkness of doubt, fear and confusion. 'Offer no resistance', Jesus tells us. Include and not exclude, me thinks. Our bodies may suffer but if our minds are strong and our will set, then we can stand with dignity, fearless before the darkness that surrounds humanity, even our brothers.
Of course, these are words and the deed is what counts. God grant me the faith to persevere when the weather turns harsh, to stand true when confronted with the lies of anger and to never fail to see truly the man before me, even my enemy, as my brother, to be loved as you love me.
Deo gratias.
Turn the other cheek? One of the more popular attributes of Christiany, me thinks. Everyone knows this one probably because it's the most ridiculous ... at least in his or her mind. We bicker and shout and glow red with anger over any number of theological ideas or Catholic views we are expected to abide, but this! No, this recommendation of Jesus can be forgotten because it is unsound, unsafe and unattainable.
I think that Christianity stands or falls on the basis of this 'world view'. It's all about the motive. Do we love our neighbour as we love our-Self? Do we love God and see Him at work in all life? Do we have control over our own minds? Our own reflexes? Do we choose wisely what we think, say and do at all times (and not just when it's convenient)? Do we see our attacker, our accuser, our vilest foe as our brother, yes, who at this moment has chosen an unwise action, but who still is and shall always be a brother to me under God, do i see him as he truly is now, fearful, out of control, lost in emotion, lacking in wisdom, misguided, lost, do i see him and have pity on him and show him the same grace and mercy that God shows us ... even when this brother strikes our cheek? Be as Christ taught us to be. Stand as Christ stands. This is surely what it is to be Christian?
Impossible!
Outrageous!
We would be better off crucifying divorcees, gays, unwed mothers, prostitutes and tax-collectors! Punishing those who are 'evil' and taking our revenge that is so sweet! Taking an eye for an eye is only fair!? If i suffer than they should suffer too!?
Before casting that first stone ... know that i forgive you and say a prayer for you and your pain and suffering as a man lost in the darkness of doubt, fear and confusion. 'Offer no resistance', Jesus tells us. Include and not exclude, me thinks. Our bodies may suffer but if our minds are strong and our will set, then we can stand with dignity, fearless before the darkness that surrounds humanity, even our brothers.
Of course, these are words and the deed is what counts. God grant me the faith to persevere when the weather turns harsh, to stand true when confronted with the lies of anger and to never fail to see truly the man before me, even my enemy, as my brother, to be loved as you love me.
Deo gratias.
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