Gospel Reflections for February 24 2019
What do you do when someone hurts you?
Most likely, you might first think of some kind of…revenge!
That is what almost happens in the First Reading. King Saul wants revenge on David …and seeks to kill him, but David sneaks into Saul’s tent at night, and has the chance to kill King Saul instead. However, he chooses not to, and leaves only with the King’s spear to prove that he was there. That amazing act of “no revenge” sets up the Gospel.
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 your behavior is 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 of your behavior? I hope not. Jesus offers you a new way that creates a stronger sense of dignity and empowerment.
What actually hurts when people hurt you is your sense of personal dignity. That is what “striking on the right cheek” means. To hit someone’s right cheek is backhand slap. It is an insult that makes you feel foolish or weak, and not a physical attack.
But God reveals that your personal dignity never comes from those bad people. Your dignity comes from directly from God, who affirms you were worth dying on the cross for!
Therefore, no one can ever take your dignity away from you! Your own 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 your well. If you treat me badly …I will treat you badly.” Jesus changes that to simply; “If you treat me well, I will treat you well. If you treat me badly …I will treat you well!
We treat people well no matter what. We do not have to worry about who we will meet today. We will treat everyone well.
Of course, crimes and violent physical offenses certainly must face accountability under law, but never for revenge, and only for the good of the other and the hope they will change.
This is a path of enormous empowerment, where you remain master of your own behavior and dignity, and never a victim. Good news for today.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Indeed, the gospels are full of wisdom. The concept of “control” and who is in charge is vital to our responsibility to ourselves and others.
However, In today’s society, we see anything but that in the behavior of our media, politicians, and citizens. There seems to be a mob mentality … a challenge to “take sides” with uncontrollable, irrational assaults, charges, and hatred. As a nation, this must stop or I fear dire consequences.
Of course there is right and wrong, right and reason, but with reasonable, intelligent overview and execution. The first voice of authority for humanity is God. It’s His gift to the world.
Last Sunday, we were reminded of the beatitudes and this week more advice on how to live beautifully with grace.
As Catholics, perhaps we could storm the newspapers with letters to the editors and deluge our legislators with messages of Christ’s lessons of peace and goodwill.
Tell them to calm down, take some time to reflect on how bitterness and aggregous behavior is hurting the people of this country.
Before long, friends will be fighting with friends, neighbors against neighbors. And why? To what end?
There’s a beautiful hymm to remember, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
God bless you and others like you for the work you’re doing in spreading the word of God.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Thanks you for your beautifully written reflection. Yes, let peace begin with each of us!
Thank you Father Dave,
Your message was timely and greatly appreciated. I needed perspective today.
-Steven
I am glad this message came at just the right time!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your commentary Father Dave, We are masters of our own behavioiu and dignity!! We can change the world and make it beautiful with Jesus’ love and values!!! It starts with us!! Each one of us is able beautifully to create love, goodness equality, Fair play, end to violence, develop compassion and following God’s precious commandments and living God and Jesus’ love with dignity!!!We are to be a force for good in the world!!! I love the saying ” Do something good every day and make the world beautifu in love!!!l!!!You make the world beautiful Father Dave!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!Sooooooooooooooooooooo happy our precious God chose you to be our priest for we all loveeeeee you!!!
Loveeeee, franca and Dick
I also respect Kathleens beautiful words!!! We must create a world of goodness where our journalists, media, congressmen , politicians and ourselves promote morality, promote the sactity of life, promote respecting our laws and respecting each human being!!! We must create love and peace in the world!!! It is up to each one of us!!!!!!
Thank you!