Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5, 38-42

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

Turn the other cheek

1. Tiredness. When we read this gospel, we sometimes think that we’re tired of turning the other cheek, and we say, “Father, they’re already taking me for a fool.” But look, in the course of life you have to be clear about who you are and what you are aiming at.  Obstacles and blows will always come your way, but they won’t destroy you. Look at the martyrs, they withstood everything; even though many died because of what they believed, they never lost their identities; on the contrary, they reaffirmed it. You can be a daily martyr, but don’t fear because sacrifice brings many miracles.

2. Victimization. It’s the opposite of turning the other cheek. It’s when we try to look as if we were the victims in situations in which we don’t accept our responsibility. Many times, we even make it possible for others to speak ill of us. God asks us to take responsibility, to face things and solve them but not to remain victims.

3. Your brother. The world is full of envy, competition, and harm; we hurt and betray one another constantly. This is where we should rely on God and look for the supernatural perspective; we must grow in God and see others as our brethren. This is the cross we must bear in order to reach heaven.

God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Remember that something good is on the way!