Sunday, February 19, 2017

To Disarm With Love

Jesus said to his disciples: "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 as well. Mt 5

In his homily this morning, Father Peter recounted a familiar story from the life of Mother Teresa. It seems that one day she approached a wealthy man begging a contribution for a new home she wanted to build for orphaned children. The rich man who disdained her and her work, spat at her. Undaunted Mother wiped her face and is reported to have said something like, “Thank you; that was for me. Now what about something for my poor children?” Astounded by her response, the man is said to have had a change of heart and immediately to have made a large donation. 

Jesus is not calling us to be doormats because of humility, but inviting us to disarm with love. As Saint Gregory the Great will say, "Those who love more can do more."