Theme: Do Not Retaliate
“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” (Mt. 5:38-39). In today’s gospel reading the Lord teaches us against retaliation. This is truly a difficult teaching for the natural human being. We have the tendency to pay evil for evil and good for good. The Lord is demanding we step up the game because we are a people of the new covenant. In the first reading the apostle Paul tells us not to take the grace of God for granted. Now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation says Saint Paul. He went on to inform us about the trials and suffering they went through in order not to cause anyone to stumble. The call to follow Christ is a challenging one indeed. It is call to walk towards perfection and holiness. The Master is asking us to be like our heavenly Father by telling us not to Retaliate. It is a call to leave vengeance for God. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should not retaliate and how to overcome retaliation.
Why We Should Not Retaliate
First, the Lord Jesus commanded us to Love and forgive our enemies (Mt. 5:43-44). The Lord explicitly instructs His followers not to retaliate but to respond with love and forgiveness. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matt. 5:38–39). It is a radical departure from the law of Moses.
Second, we should not retaliate because we are called to imitate Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus, even when unjustly condemned and crucified, did not retaliate. “When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:2). During his crucifixion, he cried out, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). As followers of Christ, we are to imitate His patience and mercy in the face of injustice.
Third, we should not retaliate because of the teaching of the Apostles. St. Paul consistently teaches Christians to avoid revenge: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). In another passage the apostle teaches us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom.12:2).
Fourth, retaliation breeds more violence. This is why it is not appropriate for Christians to engage in it. The Catholic social teaching promotes peace and justice through nonviolence. Retaliation escalates conflict and wounds relationships, while forgiveness and mercy foster healing and justice rooted in human dignity.
Fifth, Christians are reminded to fix their hearts on heaven, not earthly vengeance. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt 5:7). The scripture further stated, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). This is the example Christ gave to us.
How To Overcome Retaliation
First, to overcome retaliation, we need to imitate Christ’s example, who responded to injustice with love, silence, and forgiveness. “When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten” (1 Peter 2:23). Looking to Jesus as our model gives us strength to endure wrongdoing and respond with mercy. The more we fix our gaze on Jesus Christ the more we are capable of achieving this goal.
Second, we should rely on the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Overcoming the desire to retaliate is not easy, but the Holy Spirit gives us the grace to choose forgiveness. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” (Gal. 5:22–23). The Catechism teaches us, “The Holy Spirit… gives us the grace to forgive from the heart” (CCC # 2843). When we pray for the Holy Spirit’s help we gain inner transformation and peace.
Third, we should pray for our offenders. The Lord Jesus commands us to pray for those who hurt us, which changes our hearts and opens the door to healing. “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt.5:44). Praying for your enemy replaces bitterness with compassion.
Fourth, we should entrust Justice to God. Vengeance belongs to God alone. Trusting in His justice frees us from the burden of revenge. “Do not repay evil for evil… but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:17–18). Handing justice over to God allows us to walk in peace and not be enslaved by anger.
Fifth, we should practice mercy and forgiveness.
Forgiveness is central to Christian life, even when it is difficult. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matt. 6:12). According to the Catechism, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you”
(CCC # 2844). Forgiveness is a personal act that comes from grace. Forgiveness sets both the offender and the offended free.
Sixth, we should cultivate humility and meekness. At the heart of retaliation is pride. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). The Catechism teaches us, “Humility is the foundation of prayer and mercy” (CCC # 2559). Let us ask for the grace to overcome retaliation.
Prayers
Lord, help us to overlook faults and offenses. Lord, give us the grace of divine love. Lord, help us to forgive one another. Lord, fill our hearts with humility and simplicity. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful day.
With lots of prayers and love!
Amen thanks for the exposition of God’s word and prayers.
God bless you.
AMEN
Amen 🙏 Fr Collins and thank you for today’s homies