The Path to Non-Violence

Gospel: Matthew 5: 38-42

It is certainly true that the Old Testament lex talonis was a reduction in the amount of violence allowed in ancient times, a violence that was nearly absolute.  It is also true that the teaching of Jesus replaces the old law of an eye for an eye, and that the new law of love has no room for violence, vengeance, or any appeal to self-protection or to our property.  

Over the centuries we have built a massive reserve of excuses and reasons why this Gospel portion does not apply to us.  We endlessly defend stand your ground laws, unjust wars, and immoral death penalty systems.  We engage in endless lawsuits against our neighbor for the slightest offenses, and our Christian Lawyers Guild is ever at the ready to announce the latest grievance.  

Jesus, however, lived his own teaching.  When asked for food he provided it; when pressed for the Temple tax or the tax for Caesar he provided it.  When unjustly accused and condemned, he offered no protest and gave up his life.  He did these things not vicariously so that we do not have to do so, but he did them that we ourselves might have the example and strength to do so when it is asked of us.