The Pulpit Online: It is as it was: Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (II) (18th June, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (II) (18^th June, 2018) on the Gospel

1Kg 21:1-16;
Ps 5:2-3.5-7. (R. v.2);
Matt 5:38-42.

Topic: It is as it was.

It is a common belief that the old law was, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (cf. Ex. 21:24-25). In today’s gospel Jesus gave us “new” law,

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.

Strikingly, this law is not a new one because the Old Testament also has these, “You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the LORD” (Lev 19:18). Why? God answers, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense...” (Deut 32:35). And He has set a day of vengeance, cf. Is 34:8.

It must be the stubbornness of the people that mutilated God’s message, cf. Matt 19:8. Saint Paul rightly admonished us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God” (Rom 12:19). We are certain of Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people” (Heb 10:30). Let us leave everything to God as He commanded us from the beginning.

Bible Reading: Rom 12:9-21.

Thought for today: Overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21b).

Let us pray: Lord, strengthen us to remain your children even in the face of all difficulties – Amen.

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