Turn the Other Cheek

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.”
Matthew 5:38-42

Prayer

Dear Father we live in a world that often does the opposite of what your Son says. All too often it is an eye for an eye or striking back when a wrong is done. We lash out verbally as well as physically. How many times have we gone the distance for another when they need us. The same when we turn our backs on those who seek to borrow. What do we do to change our selfish ways but continue to walk away from our neighbors, families, friends. When we show love and mercy as God shows us we turn the other cheek, we don't repay evil for evil done to us. Jesus spoke without guile on how we are to take care of things in times of trouble. He is a good example of that himself when he turned the other cheek, forgave those who condemned him and gave up his life to help us understand what love is all about. Going the extra mile for another. In your Son's life dear Father he gave up his so we may see with eyes of faith what he was talking about. May we in our lives put his words into action. Let us turn the other cheek rather than lash out, let us show love rather than hatred. May we come to live the Gospel message each and every day. Amen