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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

Offer no resistance

Opinion

Offer no resistance

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

What does “turning the other cheek” mean? Does Jesus bid his disciples to invite a second blow? When he himself was unjustly struck in the face, he reacted strongly against the striker (Jn 18:22-23). Like the sayings about tearing a right eye and cutting off a right hand (Mt 5:29-30), this is best understood as a hyperbolic way of insisting that we must not return evil for evil, giving back blow by blow, and even “getting even.” We must keep in mind, however, that the words of Jesus are not concerned with public law which imposes just punishment for an offense or crime committed. He does not con-demn resistance to evil in general. His words are not addressed to judges but to Christian disciples. “Offer no resistance to one who is evil” (v 39) really means “do not seek revenge of any kind against one who has done you a wrong.” Jesus invites us to resist injustice and violence by the power of love, truth, and nonviolence, the path followed by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King.

Gospel • Matthew 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: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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