Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 5:38-42
Breaking the chain of evil with the law of love

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:38–42), Jesus gives us a revolutionary teaching—one that turns the logic of the world upside down: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you…” And what follows is not passivity or weakness, but the strength of mercy, the courage of love.

Jesus is not asking us to simply accept injustice. He is calling us to break the chain of evil. Not by returning harm with harm, but by responding with good. This is not easy. It requires strength, humility, and above all, conversion. Conversion of the heart. A change in how we see others, even our enemies.

Yes, even we — all of us — have enemies. And at times, we ourselves become the enemies of others. The Book of Leviticus reminds us: “You shall not hate your brother in your heart… you shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Lev 19:17–18) This is the holiness to which God calls us — a holiness rooted not in revenge or grudges, but in compassion.

Jesus does not abolish justice. No! He elevates it. He teaches us to distinguish clearly between justice and revenge. Revenge flows from hatred and leads only to more suffering. But Christian justice is fulfilled in mercy — in turning the other cheek, in going the extra mile, in choosing peace over retaliation.

This teaching is not a weakness. It is a strength. It is the path of true dignity. Let us ask the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, to help us walk this path — to practice patience, forgiveness, and dialogue. May she help us be artisans of fraternity, breaking cycles of violence with the fullness of love.
Amen.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025