In today's first reading from 1 Kings 21, we meet Jezebel, one of the most cold-blooded people you'll ever hear of. Read the sordid tale.
In our Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus teaches about retribution. He utters the familiar words, "When someone strikes you your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well." Ah, yes, turn the other cheek.
While this can be relevant in so many ways, I want to focus on what may the most difficult way in our day - social media. I've found it very helpful to my spiritual life to stay away from comm boxes. So often, the gloves come off. People "say" things to other people that they would never say to their faces. Snarkiness, backbiting and insults are the order of the day. It can be an easy trap to fall into. Next time someone strikes you on the virtual cheek, try turning the other cheek, or just logging off and saying a prayer.
Father, you know how readily we fall into the eye for an eye mentality. Teach us humility, that we may turn the other cheek, physically and virtually. Amen.
The “Block” button is a handy tool.
Turning the other cheek can prove to be difficult in families. I will be forever grateful to Fr. Bob who (years ago) pointed out that we were not made to be doormats of abuse, so limiting exposure and keeping our distance from certain folks may be the best thing for us to do – and pray for them!