Here is today’s Gospel reading, from St Matthew: ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you’.

St Benedict picks up the theme in his Rule: ‘Moreover, in adversities and injuries they patiently fulfil the Lord’s commands: when struck on one cheek they offer the other, when robbed of their tunic they surrender also their cloak, when forced to go a mile they go two, with the apostle Paul they bear with false brethren, and they bless those that curse them’.

The Lord speaks powerfully to us in these words today; let us listen with all our heart, and put them into practice in our daily lives. May God bless you.