"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."
REFLECTION
Jesus is telling us to do more than is strictly required, to give of one's time with generosity of spirit, make additional effort and do more than is required of us. Be generous with our donations, time and willingness to help. It is necessary to do, even if it is not in our nature.
But He also asks us to love our neighbor, even when he has done us wrong. Though we have been mistreated, lied to, left out, gossiped about, our reputation injured or we have been emotionally hurt, love is to be the measure how we respond to our neighbor. If we treat others with the "courtroom approach" then love never plays a role in our interaction with others.
Should we be a doormat? Of course not. Jesus defended Himself when accused of driving out demons by Beezlebub, when He was struck in the face He spoke up. He had compassion, mercy but did not take vengeance. We are asked to be more like Jesus Christ.
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