Gospel for February 20 2022 – Luke 6:27-38
Gospel Reflections for February 20 2022
What to do when attacked…
Most likely, you might think of …revenge!
That may be happening in Ukraine soon, although not yet as I write this article.
In the First Reading. King Saul wants revenge on David …and seeks to kill him, but David sneaks into his tent at night, and has the chance to kill him instead. However, he chooses not to, and just takes the King’s spear to prove he was there. That amazing act of “no revenge” sets up this amazing Gospel verse…
If someone strikes you on the right cheek …offer the other.
Why does Jesus say this? Well, if you instantly react in revenge when another person hurts you, then you are actually controlled by that person. They have “pushed your button” and made you respond. Do you really want that bad person to be in charge? I hope not. Jesus offers you a new way that gives you a stronger sense of dignity and empowerment.
What actually hurts when people attack is your sense of personal dignity. That’s what “striking the right cheek” means. To hit someone’s right cheek with your right hand is actually a backhand slap. It is this insult to your dignity that makes you feel emotionally hurt, and not an actual physical attack.
But God affirms that your personal dignity never comes from other people. Your dignity comes directly from God, who always affirms unconditional love for you.
Therefore, no one can ever take your dignity away. Your behavior remains under your control and never an automatic response of revenge. How powerful is that!
The old way of revenge was; “If you treat me well, I will treat you well. If you treat me badly …I will treat you badly.” Jesus changes that to; “If you treat me well, I will treat you well. If you treat me badly …I will treat you well!
You will treat people well no matter what. Therefore, you never have to worry about meeting bad people. You will just treat everyone well.
Of course, crimes, physical offenses, or even Russian aggression, must face firm resistance and accountability under law, but never for revenge, and only for the good of the other and the hope offenders will change.
Personally, for you, this Gospel is a path of enormous empowerment, where you remain master of your own behavior and dignity, and never a victim. Good news for the world today too.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr Dave,
Such a great explanation of what Jesus meant when He said, “ turn the other cheek”.
It’s especially enlightening to learn that by returning revenge with revenge you are actually giving away your power to the other person. And, also, that our dignity is from God.
Thank you for this insight.
Blessings,
Sherrie
You are very welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, turn the other cheek is not an easy concept….
After reading your reflection on this Sunday’s gospel, several thoughts popped into my mind:
When someone loses his or her temper, ultimately—they lose.
Accountability is well defined in God’s commandments.
David was one smart cookie!
Have a great weekend.
Kathleen
Great insights! Thank you for sharing them.
A lesson that’s hard to learn but well worth the effort as Fr. assures us.
Yes, often hard to learn but well worth the effort.
Absolutely love this article and have printed a copy to remind me of ” Treating Everyone Well.” Not only the right thing to do but a foundation for earthly good will and happiness!
Many Thanks!
You are welcome!
It is a very hard lesson to learn. Forgiveness is important. I chose to forgive my father and after years of fighting that battle, God made it real in my heart. The Our Father is very important here as it says “Forgive us our trespasses “AS” we forgive those who trespass against us. David used a lot of Wisdom in what he didn/t do. I pray for that every day to know how to “respond”.
Yes, David’s actions in the first reading are food for thought!
I READ SOME OF – IF YOU FORGIVE YOU DO NOT NEED TO FORGET.
PICKED UP ONE OF YOUR FLYERS AT ST BRUNOS WAY BEFORE THE COVID LOCK DOWN ETC.
I HAVE NO TROUBLE FORGIVING OTHERS BUT HAVE A HARD TIME FORGIVING MYSELF.
SEVERAL PRIESTS HAVE TOLD ME I NEED TO FORGET THE SINS I HAVE CONFESSED.
I HAVE DONE THAT BUT STILL CANT FORGET.
RECENTLY READ FROM A BISHOP SHEEN BOOK THAT THERE IS GOOD GUILT WHICH RESULTS IN GODLY REMORSE OR SOME THING LIKE THAT SO I HOPE AND PRAY FOR THIS GOOD GUILT.
THANK YOU HOPE TO PICK UP MORE OF YOUR FLYERS WHEN I GET A CHANCE.
THANK YOU
AMEN!
You may never forget the sins you have committed but you must always remember that they are completely forgiven after confession. Completely …also means completely! Confession does not wipe out memory. You might remember past sins from time to time. However, you must also remember that in the eyes of God they are gone. Always remember that!
Abraham Lincoln said “We can complain because rosebushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.
Thanks for mentioning that great Lincoln quote!