Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Ps. 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42
“We are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:9-10)
The Christian life can sometimes be a battle. St. Paul makes an allusion to this in today’s first reading. However, he concludes that even though we are attacked on all sides, we are never destroyed. Sometimes, we forget that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers” (Ephesians 6:12). Some misfortunes are physical manifestations of real spiritual battles and must be dealt with spiritually.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus admonishes us not to engage in physical battles: “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….” (Matthew 5:38-39).
Jesus is not asking us to allow people to override us; He wants us to fight in the right place. The real enemy is not the one who struck you in one cheek but who comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Love your neighbour as yourself but fight on your knees. Fight with an active prayer life. Fight with praises like Paul and Silas, who sang even in prison.
When he wants to get into our skin, one of the devil's strategies is to take away the material things around us that we cherish. Do not lose your calm when bad things happen; remember that you are more than a conqueror. Do not think that God has abandoned you by letting such terrible incidences in your life. Don’t be discouraged. Go into your prayer room, wipe off the dust from your bible, and spend time in God’s presence.
Fight the devil by dropping your vices, bad habits, or sinful deeds that have made you forget God. Stop wasting time harbouring hatred for people. Be like the eagle; it would never fight a battle on the ground. The eagle picks up a snake from the ground, takes it to a high altitude, and the snake completely loses control. When the snake is dead, the eagle returns to the earth to feast on it.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, teach me to realise who my enemies are and give me the grace to remain victorious regardless of what life throws at me. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 11 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Ps. 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu