DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (I)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration: Ferial 

Liturgical Color: Green

Table of the Word 

 First Reading:  2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Gospel: Matthew 5:38–42

Theme: Love Beyond Boundaries.

Reflection 

Jesus teaches: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil.” He calls for radical nonviolence and generous love (cf. Matthew 5:38–42).

Here Jesus turns worldly justice on its head. The lex talionis ("eye for eye") was meant to limit revenge, but Jesus goes further: He abolishes revenge altogether.

He teaches: Turn the other cheek; Go the extra mile; Give even more than what is asked.

This is not weakness, but the power of love and restraint,  the very heart of the Gospel. It challenges us to go beyond retaliation and to embrace mercy and generosity, even when wronged.

In a world where revenge seems justified and power often goes unchecked, the Christian is called to a higher law, which is the law of love, which the first reading make emphasis to, stressing that with all difficulties and challenges we are going through only Love conquers with the grace of God not taken for granted (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1-10).  For this grace bestowed on us serves as an unction to love beyond limit and not to pay evil for evil as St. Paul in his epistle to the Roman's Church admonished:  “Do not repay anyone evil for evil... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17–21)

And the Book of Proverbs added:  “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22).

However, following the footstep of Jesus St. Peter in his first letter says that, 

 He (Jesus) did not retaliate when insulted but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly (cf.1 Peter 2:23.

Finally, beloved in  Christ Jesus let our judgement on others begins with us, it is then that we will love unconditionaly and beyond boundaries. 

+ Peace be with you. 

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