Today’s
gospel tells us of an almost impossible task: to
offer no resistance to one who is evil. It seems to be a part of
human nature to want to “strike back” to “defend one’s self” to “retaliate in
kind.” Yes, it seems to be a part of nature, alright – but we must add here: it
is part of fallen human nature. It is
the way of sinful Adam and Eve and their children beginning with Cain and Abel
to want to strike back and retaliate in kind or even worse.
But for us who are baptized
into the newness of life brought on by the transforming Resurrection of Christ:
this is not our “natural” way any longer; for now our natural is “supernatural”
– we see and can react now in its light and power and therefore there is no
excuse for us to be violent people in any way shape or form any longer.
But, since our bodies and
minds however still are affected by the world in which they find themselves living,
the only way for us to counteract the base natural instinct to fight back, is to discipline ourselves with a daily bath
and soak in the spiritual pool of the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments.
Just a simple, shot period of reflection on these landmark collections of attitude
forming sayings can remind us that we are children of God, rather than children
of the Devil, and that we claim the Cross of Christ and its transforming power
as our own source of strength and hope.
Just as St. Paul urged the
Corinthians not to receive the grace of
God in vain – telling them that they, like he, could rise above any
distressing situation they found themselves in (by the transforming grace of
God) – so could they – and so can we – all it takes is focus, prayer and
petition – and confidence that we will be heard. Give us what we need today
Lord Jesus to react and respond as you did to what life throws at us, having
your priorities, focusing on your Father in heaven, who is also ours, who was
the source of all of your right thinking and behaving and can likewise be ours!
A lamp
to my feet is your word, Lord God, a light to my path.
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