Peace of Christ in the Din – Reflection on Matthew 5:38-42
I silently stood still in back-to-back intense moments of pure evil, effectively rejecting its glistening offer. God’s response to my turning the other cheek was a miracle gift reversing multiple learning disabilities as needed for God. Thomas Merton quotes: “If you write for God, you will reach many men and bring them joy. If you write for men, you may make some money, and you may give someone a little joy, and you may make noise in the world for a little while.” In my wildest dreams, I could not have envisioned reflecting on beginning to write fifteen years ago today about putting Christ’s light first. Every day, I am still amazed in wonder that the Lord lets me push past the complexities in my brain to witness, reflect and gather the moments of the peace of Christ in the din of the world. I believe there are always opportunities that through us one of His inspired drops touches someone begging to be free from evil.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 5:38-42 – Scripture*
Concerning Retaliation
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 5:38-42 Reflection – Peace of Christ in the Din.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission in writing from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 5 Bible passage.
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