11th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 19th June 2023 — Gospel: Mt 5,38-42
Call to be Benevolent
The old eye-for-an-eye commandment made two positive contributions: it checked wild revenge, and it taught justice. Actually, the Old Testament references (Ex 21,24; Lev 24,20; Deut 19,21) are concerned about the punishment that should not exceed the injury done. But, Jesus then insists that disciples should abandon the idea of retribution altogether and not retaliate against an evil person. For this purpose, Jesus puts five cases wherein the disciples should not passively submit to injustice, but respond in a creative, non-violent way manifesting Christian meekness. Jesus makes the love of God as the fundamental command, on which all else stands to spread their wings. Love is not envious and does not take offense and retaliate (1 Cor 13,4-7). Jesus encourages his followers to respond with disproportionate kindness, promoting the good with generosity and benevolence. For benevolence, which is the glory of the divine nature, and the perfection of the human, rejoices in doing good forever.
