Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Times
Being a follower of Jesus requires a radical approach to life. Some of the teachings that Jesus shares are so challenging that they are unattainable without help- His help. The reading today from the Sermon on the Mount is one of those passages. In today’s scripture Jesus calls us beyond revenge and to a life of selfless giving. Jesus does not expect us to easily understand and apply these teachings. He recognizes that because of our human weakness we are unable to live in this way unless we have received His Spirit. Jesus shows us the way, but the Spirit gives us the power to live a life very different from what the world considers the norm. To live radically, the Holy Spirit must be alive in our lives. It is the Spirit that allows us to follow Christ and share His kingdom with the world.
In today’s gospel reading Jesus tells His disciples “offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” (Mt 5:38) I can only imagine what the apostles must have been thinking- “If Jesus is the messiah, how could He possibly think that He will be able to establish His “kingdom” with this behavior?” Jesus goes on further to tell his disciples to go the extra mile, give away your tunic and your cloak, and never refuse someone who asks to borrow from you. At this point, I suspect the apostles thought that to follow Jesus’ directives would be completely impossible. The apostles were able to spend time with Jesus, and they saw how He lived out these radical ways in the time they spent together. Jesus showed them it was possible to give selflessly, since He did this in the most perfect way as He offered Himself on the cross. However, it was not until Jesus sent His Spirit to the apostles, that they were able to put into practice all of the teachings of Christ.
When I initially read this reading, I too wondered how I am supposed to live this way. Having just celebrated Pentecost reminded me that Jesus does not leave us alone- He sends us the Holy Spirit to help us live as His disciples. When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we experience His fruits: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”(Gal 5:23) To be able to turn the other cheek and offer no resistance to evil, a person must have gentleness, self control, peace, and patience. To walk the extra mile, offer the cloak and tunic, and give freely, a person needs to have generosity and love. When I reflect on this challenging scripture passage, I know that I cannot do this on my own. It is the Spirit alive within me that allows me to live in a way that is so different than the world. As a Christian, part of our calling is to share the Kingdom of God with others. As I read the newspaper, I see so many stories about people who are killing and hurting others in the name of God and to spread their faith. But Jesus says this is not how He wants His kingdom to be shared. Jesus calls us to follow Him to share the peace, joy, generosity and gentleness of His Spirit. Although this seems so radical (and it is!), this very countercultural way of living will truly be a lifestyle that attracts others to follow Christ. If we want to build the Kingdom of God, we need to follow Christ, but we must have the power of the Spirit and all the fruits that the Spirit provides to live that calling.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Jesus, so He could show us how to live and bring us salvation. Thank you for sending Your Spirit that enables us to follow Jesus as His disciples. May the lives we lead bring others to You, spread Your Kingdom, and give you glory. We pray this all through Christ Our LORD. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline