Gospel: Matthew 5: 38-43
None of the ten commandments remotely relates to the teaching of Jesus on turning the other cheek, accepting with joy an injustice done against us, and suffering persecution with silent happiness. It is a task that can only be accomplished in the Beatitudes, in the traits of meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and suffering persecution with joy.
It is equally important to note that the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount are not mere suggestions; they are commands and exhortations, necessities on the path to holiness. We are not conscious of this fact because we have preferred the commandments over the Beatitudes. We prefer to take offense, sue people, and complain about all sorts of things rather than take the Beatitudes and the example of Jesus seriously.
American Christianity has chosen the commandments over the Beatitudes, finding offense in many things real or perceived on the one hand while on the other being a vehicle of persecution and harm to others. When a person reads the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount they go in search of a people who strive to live these values. Finding none, many abandon the search in sadness, but maybe - just maybe - some will take up the challenge and seek to live the Beatitudes as best they can.
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