DAY 20: March 11, 2021 Thursday of Lent 3- Matthew 5:38-42
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. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. – Matthew 5:38-42 [1]
Retaliation is a part of our sinful makeup. It’s woven into our human DNA. “Don’t get mad, get even!” says the old adage. Retaliation for harm done is the world’s way of making things right.
The heart is deceitful, it is naturally inclined to seek reprisal. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” –Jeremiah 17:9 Personal vigilante justice is never condoned in Scripture. Two wrongs do not make a right.
Jesus gives us a better way; instructing us not to return evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good. Says St. Paul, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:21
Going the extra mile when we encounter insult and injury is not easy. What's your response to others when they treat you unfairly? We are called by God to respond, to respond with grace and mercy even in the face of insults and persecutions.
When the soldier hit Jesus on the cheek, He did not offer the other cheek explicitly or invite another strike. Rather, by not threatening or not blocking another blow, He still “offers” the other cheek. At the same time, He reacted with energy: “If there is some offense in what I said, point it out, but if not, why do you strike Me?” (John 18:23) Jesus does not teach us to be passive. At the same time He strongly urges against retaliation and retribution.
Rather than lashing out, the Lord encourages us to pray even for those who mistreat us. An appropriate prayer is found in Psalm 5:2 “Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.”
Show me your face, dear Jesus, in the hurting eyes of the needy, that I may help them as You helped me. [2]
Keep watch over Your church, O Lord, with Your unfailing love; and, since it is grounded in human weakness and cannot maintain itself without Your aid, protect it from all danger, and keep it in the way of salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3]
Father, help us to be ready to celebrate the great paschal mystery Make our love grow each day as we approach the feat of our salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [4]
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[1] The
Water and the Blood copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[2] The Lutheran
Study Bible copyright © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3]Collect
for Thursday of Lent 3, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[4] Prayer for Thursday of Lent 3 For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church Vol.1
copyright © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau Delhi, NY
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