REFLECTION
FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR
Today’s
Gospel is about loving our enemies. Love my enemies? How can that be?
Now
if we are honest, we will admit that this sounds absolutely crazy. Because
there is something deep within us which calls for revenge against those who
hurt us. We live in a world where retaliation or revenge is widely accepted.
Revenge is practiced in many courtrooms; revenge is used in arguments between
spouses and revenge is sought in many conflicts around the world. You hurt me.
I hurt you. This is the cycle of revenge. This is the reality of “an eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth.” What Jesus is concerned with, is the need to
break the cycle of revenge. Revenge accomplishes nothing except to foster
greater hatred and injustice. Mahatma Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye leaves
the whole world filled with blind people.” Jesus teaches that the only way to
end the cycle of revenge and violence is to pull the plug on it by forgiving
the offender. Now, some people suggest that the forgiveness taught by Jesus is
a sign of weakness and fear. But think about it. What is more courageous – to
get even with someone or to turn the other cheek? Which takes greater strength
– to badmouth the person who badmouths you or to hold your tongue? Any child
can strike back but it takes an adult to forgive. The willingness to forgive is
a sign that we are close to God. If we can forgive just as God has already
forgiven us, then that is a sign that we are like God. While our ability to
forgive may not always bring healing to others, it always heals us.
