Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17th June,
2019) on the Gospel
2Cor 6:1-10;
Ps 97:1-4. (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 a “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 as new as we often think 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 did He say this? God said, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense...” (Deut 32:35). And God 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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