Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us: avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.

“If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.” ― Marvin Gaye: (1939 –1984: was an American singer, songwriter, and musician)

Gospel Text: (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 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.”

Today, Jesus teaches us that forgiveness can overcome hate. However, we do not just forgive because we feel helpless or gravely embarrassed. Quite often, the expression “to turn the other cheek” is misinterpreted as waiving our legitimate rights. Certainly, nothing of the sort. To turn the other cheek means to denounce with a peaceful but categorical gesture to whoever has done the injustice committed. It is like saying, “You slapped me on the cheek, now what, you want to slap me on the other too?” “Do you really think you are behaving rightly?” Jesus replied serenely to the high priest's rude servant: “If I said something wrong testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” (Jn 18:23).

We can, therefore, see what our Christian behavior must be: not to retaliate, but to stay firm; to be open to forgiveness but clearly say things. It is certainly not an easy task to accomplish, but it is the only way to put a stop to violence and show the world the Divine Grace it is lacking of, so often. St. Basil advises us:

«Believe me and you will forget the offences and insults you get from your fellow man. You will see how differently you will be named; he will be called angry and violent while you will be cited as meek and peaceful. One day, he will repent of his violence, but you will never regret your meekness».