The summit of love
But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance (Matthew 5, 39)
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.’ (Matthew 5,38-42)
In terms of loving thy neighbour, the gospel requires considerable effort and full adherence to God's will. The Old Testament already had its moral precepts, but Jesus brings the commandments given to Moses to perfection by affirming that even enemies are to be loved. This love, from then on, will be the sign that will distinguish his disciples. Ask yourself if you've truly loved all the people you've met these past few days. Do you know that loving is not a sweet feeling, but, for example, it also means admonishing sinners?
