NON-VIOLENCE

Matthew 5:39
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 to him as well.
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There is a similar Filipino saying, “Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay” (“If someone stoned you, throw a bread at him, instead”). Most of us are familiar with the "turn the other cheek" statement. But does any of us truly understand what this means? In other words, it means do not use violence to resist evil. Do not continue the downward spiral of violence. Jesus wants us to break the downward cycle of violence by refusing to cooperate with violence, refusing to retaliate with further violence. As the great Gandhi would put it: “An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.” Violence in response to violence can only lead to further violence.

But does that mean sit back, be passive, and suffer violence? No! The world tells us there are only two options in the face of violence: fight back with violence or run away and do nothing. But Jesus offers a third alternative: active nonviolence resistance. Jesus doesn’t advocate passive resignation or indifference to evil. He teaches and practices active, steadfast resistance to every form of violence and injustice. He just does not use the same means as the oppressor.

There are several events throughout the Bible that establish the principle of self-defense. However, seeking personal revenge is prohibited. For example, killing someone without cause would be called murder and results from anger or hatred. Jesus stated that not only murderers were in danger of judgment but those who are angry enough to murder are also in danger of judgment. While we may avoid or resist evil when it is necessary for our own security, we cannot render evil for evil nor avenge ourselves. We must get beyond this and forgive the offenders while seeking their salvation. That’s when we become like Jesus, nonviolent resisters to the culture of violence and war.

Almighty Father, we pray for your peace and your mercy in the midst of the great suffering that people are now inflicting on each other. Accept the prayers of your Church, so that by your goodness peace may return to all peoples. Extinguish every dispute for You are our peace and to You we ascribe glory. Hear us and have mercy on us. Amen +

“You must be the change you want to see in the world” – M. Gandhi