The readings today talk about compassion and forgiveness. They iterate that we need to treat each other decently and respectfully, even when we ourselves are not treated so. As God forgives us, we need to forgive others.
In the Gospel, Jesus goes even further, he says, “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Jesus tells us to just take it. He says there is no justification for revenge. He changes the revenge laws of the Old Testament, an eye for an eye, and says to take it and let the oppressors come back for more. If someone strikes you, turn your face and let him strike the other cheek. But when we look at this Gospel passage a little more, I think we’re not being asked to just take it. When Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, what he is really saying is to face our accuser. If someone strikes, say, a slave, backhand, the striker does not see whom he strikes. But if that person turns and faces him to present the other cheek for a slap, the striker must look his victim in the face and recognize his humanity. Turning the other cheek isn’t an act of abjection but of rebellion even. Jesus says if we are pressed into service, to make it a service. We should go beyond the minimum required. If someone forces you into service for a mile, go two instead. If someone would sue you for your shirt, throw in the cloak. If someone is in need and asks a favor or a loan, give it. He’s not telling us to just give up, he’s telling us to recognize that we’re all people – king and servant—and we should be of help and service to our fellow man. We aren’t being told to take it, we’re being told to give it.
Tamora Whitney
I teach in the English department. I teach composition and literature and Critical Issues -- a class that has a component on Jesuit values.
I like writing these reflections because it makes me think more deeply about the scripture and think about how to integrate the ideas into my own life and how to share these ideas with others.
