Honor is something we always want to keep. But, when we do, we lose touch with the core of who we are as children of God. We react rather than respond to others, especially if we feel threatened. Our defenses kick in, and we say things and even do things we regret.
It can happen in a blink of an eye and sometimes shock us. I have said to myself, “How did that happen.” Then I am sorry and have to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always helps me get my head and heart back with Jesus, who restores my honor as God’s son.
Jesus uses several examples that people in His time faced quite frequently. I will speak only on one, turning the other cheek. Jesus instructs us how to respond if someone strikes us on the cheek. “Turn and offer the other.” Slapping on the cheek was something a person in authority would do to someone subservient to them: a parent to a child, a soldier would do to a citizen.
They used the left hand only for the toilet. They never offered it to another person or put it on the table at a meal. That left the right hand to slap someone. Slapping with the palm of your right hand on the left cheek was a put-down and an insult. To strike with the back of your right hand on the left cheek treated the victim as an equal. “Turn and offer the other.” ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal,’ turned the tables on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37-39).
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus kept his dignity as God’s Son on the cross. He lost His life, not His honor, as God’s only Begotten Son. The Father raised Him from the dead. He will save us when we respond to an aggressor and not retaliate. Let’s think before we speak so we don’t lose our honor as children of God.
Matthew 10: 17-22 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122624.cfm St. Stephen First Martyr With each choice, the Word of God becomes more flesh in our words, looks, touch, and how
Luke 2:1-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122524-Night.cfm One of the books I was required to read during my religious studies was the Autobiography of St. Teresa of Lisieux.
Luke 1:67-79https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122424.cfm From Blindness to Sight. Zechariah can be a great companion in our journey with the Lord through life. He doubted his wife could
Luke 1:57-66 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122324.cfm The Doorway to God’s Reign. Awe is the response of a humble servant ready to do the bidding of the Lord. Here
Monday 11th Week in Ordinary Time June 19, 2023
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday 11th Week in Ordinary Time
June 19, 2023, Matthew 5:38-42
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061923.cfm
Keeping Your Honor
Honor is something we always want to keep. But, when we do, we lose touch with the core of who we are as children of God. We react rather than respond to others, especially if we feel threatened. Our defenses kick in, and we say things and even do things we regret.
It can happen in a blink of an eye and sometimes shock us. I have said to myself, “How did that happen.” Then I am sorry and have to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always helps me get my head and heart back with Jesus, who restores my honor as God’s son.
Jesus uses several examples that people in His time faced quite frequently. I will speak only on one, turning the other cheek. Jesus instructs us how to respond if someone strikes us on the cheek. “Turn and offer the other.” Slapping on the cheek was something a person in authority would do to someone subservient to them: a parent to a child, a soldier would do to a citizen.
They used the left hand only for the toilet. They never offered it to another person or put it on the table at a meal. That left the right hand to slap someone. Slapping with the palm of your right hand on the left cheek was a put-down and an insult. To strike with the back of your right hand on the left cheek treated the victim as an equal. “Turn and offer the other.” ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal,’ turned the tables on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37-39).
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus kept his dignity as God’s Son on the cross. He lost His life, not His honor, as God’s only Begotten Son. The Father raised Him from the dead. He will save us when we respond to an aggressor and not retaliate. Let’s think before we speak so we don’t lose our honor as children of God.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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