＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Being God’s helpers we beg you:

Let it not be in vain that you received this grace of God.   Scripture says: At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation I helped you. This is the favorable time, this is the day of salvation.  We are concerned not to give anyone an occasion to stumble or criticize our mission.  

In­stead we prove we are true ministers of God in every way by our endurance in so many trials, in hardships, afflictions,   floggings, imprisonment, riots, fatigue, sleepless nights and days of hunger. People can notice in our upright life, knowledge, patience and kindness, action of the Holy Spirit, sincere love,   words of truth and power of God. So we fight with the weapons of justice, to attack as well as to defend.

 Sometimes we are honored, at other times insulted; we receive criticism as well as praise. We are regarded as liars although we speak the truth;  as unknown though we are well known; as dead and yet we live. Punishments come upon us but we have not, as yet, been put to death.   We appear to be afflicted, yet always joyful; we seem to be poor, but we enrich many; we have nothing, but we possess everything!

 

Ps 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4

The Lord has made known has salvation.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊ 

Matthew 5:38-42

 You have heard that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other.  If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give your coat as well.   If someone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.   Give when asked and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you.

    

Gospel Reflection：

It is logical that in the pursuit of justice, what is taken must be returned back or if not, its equivalent. What is dealt with is to be returned. That is the law of retaliation. It seeks to restore balance and order by repaying the disturbance one has done in a measure deemed equal.

But Jesus now is telling us that violence can never be stopped by an act of violence. As matter of fact, it contributes to greater violence that is perpetuated because the repayment does not subtract but adds up to the disturbance. The only way to manage violence is to let it disperse in one’s superior understanding that it is an energy that thrives and grows stronger when one subscribes to it.

To put a stop to the cycle of violence, one has to sacrifice the urge for revenge and make a new chapter of peace by leaving behind the pain and hurt that violence inflicted. This needs spiritual strength. That is why only the true followers of Jesus can do this.