Monday, June 16, 2003
11th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: 2 Cor 6:1-10
Gospel: Mt 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 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."

Commentary

Current justice systems the world over still work on basically the same Old Testament principle: the punishment must not exceed the injury done. That is, if the systems work at all, or if they work the same way for everyone. Just wages and fair working conditions are still fought for on the streets worldwide. Debt cancellation remains on the desk of international organizations as debtor countries bleed to death. Jesus' call for an end to retaliatory justice and his teaching on liberality are more urgent than ever. The global condition will only deteriorate if we do not consider them more seriously. People ask, "Christianity has been around for two millennia and it hasn't made a difference in the world?" Christianity... but Christians?

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