We are all aware of how violence can become contagious not only from cheek to cheek but also from generation to generation. What do we do about violence, especially when our own religious history has fostered such horrific examples? One of the practices that Jesus states in the passages for today is that we should turn the other cheek, go the extra mile. Does this actually work? Martin Luther King Jr wondereed this in 1958 while attempting to foster Civil Rights in our country. He questioned whether Jesus' words were meant for merely individual or societal ethical relational conduct? What did turning the cheek and going the extra mile mean in Jesus' time? Does it relate to our world today or is it a relic from an old or outdated tradition of behavior.Matthew 5:38-48
5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'
5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;
5:40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;
5:41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.
5:42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
5:45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
5:47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Walter Morton for Journey Across the Line
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