https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061526.cfm
Keeping Your Honor
We want to keep our honor, but how important it is to stay connected to the heart of who we are as children of God. When threatened, we may react impulsively with actions or words we regret. It’s natural to defend ourselves, but what matters is our effort to grow and stay true to ourselves.
It can happen so quickly and catch us off guard sometimes. I’ve found myself thinking, “How did that happen?” and then feeling sorry, realizing I need to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always helps me reconnect with Jesus, who restores my sense of honor as God’s son.
Jesus shares several examples that people in His time often encountered. I’ll focus on just one: turning the other cheek. Jesus teaches us how to respond if someone slaps us on the face: “Turn and offer the other cheek.” Back then, a slap to the cheek was something someone in authority might do to someone beneath them—like a parent to a child or a soldier to a citizen.
They only used their left hand for the toilet, never offering it to others or placing it on the table during a meal. This left the right hand free to slap, and a slap with the palm of the right hand on the left cheek was considered a sign of disrespect and an insult.
Using the back of your right hand to strike the left cheek acknowledges the victim as an equal. “Turn and offer the other,” invites the victim to continue the act with dignity. ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal,’ is a powerful way to turn the tables on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37-39).
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus upheld his dignity as God’s Son even on the cross. He gave up His life, but not His honor, as God’s only Begotten Son. The Father raised Him from the dead. He promises to save us when we respond to others’ wrongs without retaliation. Let’s remember to pause and think before we speak, so we can preserve our honor as children of God.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
