“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 (Matthew 5:38-48)
How do we reconcile the words of Jesus in the light of various atrocities and gruesome moment leading to a string of massacres? Last Sunday, dozens of Catholic faithful who gathered for Pentecost Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier parish in Owo, Nigeria, were shot and killed by a terrorist group ISWAP (Islamic State West African Province). What of the terrorist attack at a Texas elementary school which resulted in the death of at least 19 children? My heart goes out to the victims of the terrorist attack. Prayers
In the light of today’s Gospel, how should the families, the Catholic community Church, and the country respond to such a hideous atrocity and crime? Should the response be “Tit for tat,” “An eye for an eye,” or should the perpetrators be shown mercy?
It’s always nice when things work out fairly. The principle of lex talionis prescribed ‘fitting’ counter punishment for a felony. The legal code of Hammurabi prescribed the principle of exact reciprocity. For instance, if some goober drops and breaks your iPad, then it’s only fair for you to take his iPad and break it. The principal follows “The law of retaliation.”
Nevertheless, Jesus teaches us that two wrongs don’t make a right. Jesus tells us that you cannot fight evil with evil. Evil is defeated by God’s Goodness and Love. Jesus is teaching us about the power of love. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
Love is a very powerful thing that pacifies all evil thoughts in human beings. Jesus tells us that if you want to solve all problems with your neighbor, use love.
“By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” … Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13: 35)
By “Your love for one another” and “your hate for one another,” people will come to know that you are my disciples.
We are reminded to speak with love, caution with love, rebuke with love, etc.
Let us today embrace love in all our actions, communications, judgments, and thoughts because love conquers all evil. Love is the greatest force in the universe. It is the force that gives healing and life, binds souls together, and whispers to us that all will be well. Love conquers all because God is love, and God has already won. Peace and Prayers!
