June 15, 2026
Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Mt 5:38-42

Today is Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time. The passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew continues the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. In this teaching, Jesus instructs us on the principles by which those who belong to His kingdom—the world of God—ought to conduct themselves. Indeed, the principles Jesus teaches us are truly astonishing.

Jesus says to us: “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. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” (cf. Mt 5:38–39) If we try to understand these words according to mere human reasoning, we find that they stand in complete contrast to the norms of the present world. For the way of this world demands an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth; if we do not act likewise, we are seen as cowardly. Yet Jesus does not ask us to abandon resistance, but to pursue true justice. We see this in Jesus Himself: when He was arrested and brought before the High Priest for interrogation, and one of the soldiers standing nearby struck Him because He had spoken what seemed to the High Priest to be offensive words, Jesus replied: “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike Me?” (cf. Jn 18:19–23).

Jesus teaches us: “If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to whoever asks of you, and do not turn away from one who wants to borrow from you.” (Mt 5:40–42) This reminds us that each of us is a steward of all that God has created. According to His holy will, God entrusts all that He has made to our care. He further calls us to reveal, like Him, the face of the merciful Father to the world—by concrete actions showing forth God’s profound love for humanity, bringing the love of God into this world so lacking in His mercy.

O God, strength of those who hope in you, graciously hear our pleas, and, since without you mortal frailty can do nothing, grant us always the help of your grace, that in following your commands we may please you by our resolve and our deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica