Resist Evil

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.” (Matthew 5:38-42)

There are two contrasting messages in today’s Gospel.  First, if someone inflicts harm on us, give as good as we get, meaning exact revenge only equal to the harm that was done.  In other words, if someone takes your eye, only take one eye of the perpetrator.  Don’t take both eyes.  Retaliation should be measure for measure.  Same with the tooth.  Revenge killing often involved extravagant and excessive punishment for transgressions.

Jesus took things a step farther – no retaliation, even turn the cheek.  He promoted non-violence which made sense when the oppressor was powerful and capable of excessive force and cruelty, such as mass crucifixions carried out by the Romans. 

Nevertheless, offering no resistance to those who are evil is a recipe for giving in to authoritarians and would-be dictators.  Offering no resistance allows evil to spread and emboldens our enemies and adversaries.  

Resistance to evil is not futile. It is necessary whether in our personal lives, communities, nation, or the world.  

Deacon David Pierce