Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
The text book that I used to teach Religion 101 at the University of Dayton had a Chapter in it entitled, “Breaking the Cycle.” The author, Dr. Dennis Doyle, cites an example of how his eight year old and his six year old got into it one day while playing basketball. The eight year old made his shot, and then, just for fun tossed up a quick practice shot, which he did not make. The six-year old did not see the first shot but saw the practice shot that his brother did not make. The argument led to the older brother hitting the younger one with the ball. The younger one ran into the house screaming. Dr. Doyle was aware of the sibling rivalry that existed between the two. After much talking and conversations and after much going back the forth, aware that he was not making much progress, he finally asked his children this question, “… And who is going to break the cycle?”
Today’s first reading and gospel reading provide one of the most challenging demands in all of scripture. The Old Testament book of Leviticus, which we normally associate with “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth, says to us today: "You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” We interpret this Law to mean that Israelites are commanded to break the cycle of hatred and revenge. Jesus too, in today’s Gospel reading, says, “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 as well.” We can interpret this Law to understand Jesus’ demands that his disciples break the cycle of hatred and revenge.
Here are my three practical implications.
1. Breaking the cycle - A Path to Holiness? Perhaps we should reflect on the demands that the scripture readings make in the context of another theme - holiness. Today’s Law begins with the words, “Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.” When we think of a holy person, numerous images come to our mind - somebody who prays a lot, someone who makes sacrifices, someone whom we associate with miracles. There is yet another path to holiness - "You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Breaking the cycle is one way to be holy and the Lord our God is Holy. Breaking the cycle is path to holiness.
2. Breaking the cycle - A Path of Perfection? I cannot but remind ourselves that the gospel reading is from the Sermon on the Mount. We have already heard the Beatitudes and the disciples call to be “salt of the earth,” and “light of the world.” Today Jesus offers a practical way to live out our call to be salt and light - the love of enemies. However, very similar to today’s first reading, Jesus puts today’s demand in the context of perfection. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” It may seems strange but Jesus does call us to perfection. Perhaps perfection and holiness and synonyms. Jesus lays out the path to perfection is these words, “… love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” Breaking the cycle of hatred and revenge is a path to perfection. Love of enemies is the epitome of Christian discipleship.
3. Just Do It. My third point today is very brief. I have a simple question for you and me? Are there people and situations where we are being called to “break the cycle?” If there are, can we name the people? Can we name the situations? Holiness and perfection is not outside our reach. In fact, it is the way to the kingdom of God.
May this Eucharist give us the grace to strive for holiness and perfection by breaking the cycle of hatred and revenge.
- Fr. Satish Joseph