06/15/2026
Monday 15 June 2026
Week 11 in Ordinary Time.
Matthew 5.38-42
AN EYE FOR AN EYE, A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH
One of the benefits of forgiveness is that it sets the one who forgives free first. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, it is actually a sign of strength. Most of us who find it hard to forgive others usually forget one thing; if people are to avenge all the wrongs we have done to them, our lives would be very miserable. It is not always easy to forgive, it is not even easy for some people to ask for forgiveness, but we can learn to do so if we choose to. An eye for an eye sounds simple, innocent and just but it is not. Imagine how the world will be without consideration, forgiveness, amnesty, second chance, benefit of the doubt, letting go, etc. Those who live by eye for eye principle are always on a revenge mission; they carry a logbook of vengeance. Those they can execute, they execute. The ones they cannot execute, they keep in mind praying and wishing that God or nature executes the vengeance for them. Eye for eye mindset makes you always imprisoned in bitter feelings. It is difficult to live in this world without people hurting you, it is difficult to get even in all things. Sometimes, we are even hurt through our own perception; we misinterpret peopleβs actions as hatred and injury and we begin to harbor hatred and desire for revenge. We are called to live a positive and proactive life, we are called to let go and work for repentance, reconciliation, reunion. If we can change our revenge prayers, wishes and imagination towards our enemies to positive feelings, we will feel better and healthier. Bad feelings and negative emotions do more harm to the carriers. May the Lord help us to offload our negative feelings and sanitize our minds for healthy and flourishing lifestyles through Christ our Lord Amen.