Christian Revolution

In this passage from the Gospel Mt 5, 38-48 Jesus invites his disciples to go beyond the law of revenge (the law of retaliation). The Christian “revolution” consists in seeking true justice without however practicing the law of retaliation, that is to say “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”.

It is not about condoning evil, violence and abuse from others, but about reacting positively, breaking the chain of evil with good deed to correct evil. Good drives out evil.
This could therefore lead the Christian to give up a legitimate right in order to avoid violence. Hence it is important to turn the other cheek, give up one's clothes or money or accept other sacrifices (cf. vv. 39-42). Christian love manifests itself in a special way in mercy which represents a higher realization of justice which is different from vengeance.

Let's be artisans of justice and peace!

Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC