Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48

‘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 an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,* what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:38-48

Reflection:

Our gospel today is from Matthew 5:38-48. The message from the gospel is very clear. We all have to forgive those who offend us. We must love our brothers and sisters in all races. We must not live with the saying “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

Jesus gave us the guide to always prepare ourselves in the future. What does the gospel from Matthew 5:38-48 is telling us? At present, where hatred ruled our nation, we all must try to dwell in the message of Jesus.

How do we love our enemies? How can we not think of vengeance when someone did us wrong? How can we forgive one another when our hearts are full of hatred? These things are very ordinary and common to us humans, right? How can we practice what Jesus told us in Matthew 5:38-48?

The truth is, it is very difficult for an ordinary person to do this. Yet, if we live the word of God and try to contemplate, we can at least try this. Matthew 5:38-48 is a very simple gospel yet very difficult to fulfill.

To be honest, I myself don’t think I can do what the gospel is telling us exactly how it should be but at least I have to try. I know it won’t be easy to forgive those who offended us. It is hard to forget the cruelty of others. It is hard to forget what someone did to you that brough you despair and stress.

Yet, since we are children of God and we have to try to live what God wants from us. As for me, I try to put everything in prayer and contemplate. I try to forget what those people did and ask God for strength to forgive my enemies. Everything will remain calms if we put it in prayer. This is what the gospel from Matthew 5:38-48 is telling us. – Clea | Helpline PH