REFLECTIONS TODAY
Human justice demands parity, that is, one-to-one correspondence; thus, the ancient law of talion, the law of like manner or the equivalent. The rule of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was meant to limit violent clannish retaliation or the blood feud, as the “rido” practiced in some areas in Mindanao. However, the attitude of God is different from that of human beings. The earlier image of God as sovereign who exacts loyalty from his vassals or punishment for transgressions to the alliance now shifts to a compassionate, generous, and condescending God acting in Jesus Christ. Jesus reveals God as the Father of mercy and God of compassion. And he asks his disciples also to be merciful.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 5
“Lord, listen to my groaning.”
Gospel • Mt 5:38-42
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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
Human justice demands parity, that is, one-to-one correspondence; thus, the ancient law of talion, the law of like manner or the equivalent. The rule of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was meant to limit violent clannish retaliation or the blood feud, as the “rido” practiced in some areas in Mindanao. However, the attitude of God is different from that of human beings. The earlier image of God as sovereign who exacts loyalty from his vassals or punishment for transgressions to the alliance now shifts to a compassionate, generous, and condescending God acting in Jesus Christ. Jesus reveals God as the Father of mercy and God of compassion. And he asks his disciples also to be merciful.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 5
“Lord, listen to my groaning.”
Gospel • Mt 5:38-42
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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.