THE OTHER CHEEK
“When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” – Matthew 5:39
I’ve misinterpreted the verse above for the longest time. I thought it
meant I should offer my left cheek if someone slapped my right. Yes,
abuse me more!
But Bo Sanchez clarified the meaning of this verse in one of his talks.
He said that during the olden days, slapping someone with the back part
of the hand was an assertion of one’s authority over the other. It
insults the dignity of the slapped person who is deemed to be of lower
class.
If the other cheek was offered after a first slap, the natural tendency
was for the attacker to give a second slap using his open palm. This
presents a dilemma. Based on cultural practices, an abuser can only use
his right hand to slap. If he uses his open palm to slap, it means he’s
recognizing the other person as his equal. In effect, if the slave
receives a second slap with an open palm, he was deemed an equal.
Offering the other cheek was a peaceful and intelligent way of dealing
with an aggressor.
When faced with hostility, do the smart thing by surrendering to God
your right to retaliate. Pray for the other person and let God be your
Vindicator. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)
Reflection:
Who has hurt you recently? Decide today to surrender to God your right
to take revenge and allow Him to bless you even more because of that
decision.
By
the power of the Holy Spirit, take the unforgiveness in my heart, bind
it at the foot of the cross, and replace it with peace in my heart. In
Jesus’ name. Amen.
Servant of God Orlando Catanii, pray for us.
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