| Gospel | Matthew 5:38-42 |
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.’
Reflection
Jesus calls us to look beyond the limit of the law. We need to be generous and imaginative if we are to rise beyond the restrictions that life presents. I think of how I might be free from the constraints I find, by acting from a generous spirit. I ask God to inspire and help me. The law and duty will provide basic guidelines but won’t be enough for a disciple and certainly not enough for one who wants to be a friend of Jesus. Where do I need more generosity or freedom to respond to the vision that Jesus put before me? To answer violence with violence or unreasonable demands with resistance is to do the expected thing. Jesus calls me to imagine my life differently and thus prompt others to see themselves anew. Do I use laws and rules to protect my security or to promote justice for others?
God Bless you all Deacon Martyn
