Homily on Matthew 5:38-48

 

Matt. 5:38-48

“You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Dear Folks,

Let's talk about what love looks like again.  This Gospel reading from Matthew is a radical call to a love that transcends human limitations. Jesus challenges us to move beyond the familiar boundaries of retribution and reciprocity, and to embrace a love that is truly divine.

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer." This ancient law, while seemingly harsh, was intended to limit vengeance. But Jesus goes further. He calls us to break the cycle of retaliation altogether. He challenges us to respond to evil with non-resistance, with a love that refuses to perpetuate violence.

"But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile." These are not literal commands to be passive victims. Rather, they are powerful symbols of a radical love that refuses to be controlled by the actions of others. They demonstrate a willingness to absorb injustice, to break the cycle of violence, and to choose love over retaliation.

"Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you." This is a call to radical generosity, a generosity that extends even to those who may take advantage of us. It's a reminder that our possessions are not ours alone, but are gifts from God, to be shared with those in need.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This is the heart of Jesus's teaching, the most challenging and transformative call. He asks us to love those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who persecute us. This is not a sentimental love, but a deliberate act of will, a choice to extend compassion even to those who seem undeserving.

"So that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." God's love is unconditional, extended to all, regardless of their actions. We are called to imitate this love, to become children of our Father by reflecting His mercy and grace.

"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" Jesus challenges us to move beyond the ordinary, to transcend the limitations of human love. He calls us to a love that is extraordinary, a love that is divine.

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This is not a call to unattainable perfection, but a call to strive for the fullness of God's love. It's a call to become more like Him, to reflect His character in our lives.

In essence, this Gospel passage presents a radical call to transformation, urging us to break the cycle of retaliation by responding to evil with love, not further violence. It challenges us to extend radical generosity, giving freely to those in need, even those who may seem undeserving. Most profoundly, it compels us to love our enemies, praying for those who persecute us and extending compassion to those who hate us. Ultimately, this reading calls us to strive for divine love, imitating God's unconditional love and reflecting His mercy and grace in our daily lives.

This is not an easy path. It requires courage, humility, and a deep trust in God's grace. But it is the path that leads to true freedom, to true peace, to true communion with God. Let us, through God's grace, strive to live out these challenging and transformative words. Amen.

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted dead before you.  Grant this for the sake of your only Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Love,

+Br'er Abbot