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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus taught His disciples:

“When someone strikes you on your right cheek,

turn the other one to him as well.”

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– Matthew 5:39

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REFLECTION…

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“When someone strikes you on your right cheek,

turn the other one to him as well.”

Although it is our Lord Jesus who tells us this,

we might still find ourselves objecting…

especially if we take it literally.

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But it is, as always, Jesus Himself

who gives us a practical example of what He means when He says this.

When one of the guards strikes Him on the cheek during the trial before the Sanhedrin,

it is not written that Jesus gave him the other cheek,

but that with calmness He replied:

“If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong;

but if I spoke the truth, why do you strike me?” (John 18:23)
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Therefore, in practice,

what is important is not the gesture of turning the other cheek

(which might sometimes be interpreted as provocation),

but not responding to violence with violence,

and to win with calm.
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Jesus’ response to the guard is an example of divine meekness.

Jesus teaches absence of pride and a forgiving attitude.

These must play an essential role in the way we live our lives as Christians

– as followers of Christ.

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PRAYER…

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Lord Jesus, I want to be more like You.

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