First Forgive

‘If someone takes your coat,’ says Jesus, ‘give him your shirt as well.’ Surely that sounds like pacifism. But hold on a sec!

Jesus' contemporaries wore no undergarments. If they gave their oppressor their shirt, they'd be left there naked! And that was Jesus' point: Embarrass the thief into rethinking his theft, which was leaving his victim stark naked.

’When someone strikes you on the cheek,’ says Jesus, ‘turn the other cheek.’ To strike that other cheek requires either changing hands or striking in a contorted manner. Once again, it creates a delay during which the malefactor has a chance to rethink what he's doing.

Our first goal should always be to convert the wrongdoer. Sometimes it will work, and sometimes it won't. And when it doesn't, the right of a legitimate self-defence is there. Jesus' point is simple: You may have to end up using force to defend your rights. But don't start with force.

Start with a sincere attempt to convert your adversary. It won't always work. But sometimes it will. And it would be a shame to miss that ‘sometime.’

Lord God, Grant us patience before we become quick to judge. Help us to learn the art of listening and not discounting others. And when we are hurt, Lord, help us to find charity within our hearts to first forgive, then to mend. It is the peace in our hearts that transcends all. Amen

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At the Time of a Child's Death

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