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	OFFER NO RESISTANCE

The Gospel

MATTHEW 5:38-39

[Jesus said,] "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 to him as well."

The Media -- "Rolling in the Deep" (Adele)

"There’s a fire starting in my heart, reaching a fever pitch, and it’s bringing me out of the dark. Finally I can see you crystal clear; go ahead and sell me out. See how I’ll leave with every piece of you. Don’t underestimate the things that I will do. The scars of your love remind me of us. They keep me thinking that we almost had it all. Rolling in the deep, you had my heart inside of your hand, and you played it to the beat. I'm gonna make your head burn: think of me in the depths of your despair."

The feelings of many people who have been hurt are expressed by Adele in her song "Rolling in the Deep": "Don't underestimate the things that I will do. I'm gonna make your head burn." She is thinking of revenge and hurting the other person who has hurt her. It is a common thought of our human natures. We do not like to be hurt, and we want to get back at the ones who caused the pain.

There is little doubt about what Jesus Christ thinks about revenge: simply put, there is to be none. "Offer no resistance" are Jesus' words. It is an incredibly difficult doctrine because our human natures rebel against it. Every ounce of our being wants to retaliate, to hurt, to get back at, to get even. As Adele promises to her once-upon-a-time friend: "I'm gonna make your head burn."

But looked at in an objective manner, Jesus' doctrine makes sense for our world. If we do not control our anger and desire for revenge, we will end up doing things that later on will harm us. On an international scale, we have too many examples in our world of people who exacted revenge on some evil that caused wars which lasted for years, ending up harming thousands of people. On a personal level as well, there are many examples of people who have retaliated against an evil, causing family unrest and hatreds that result in decades of discontent. Revenge may feel right at the time, but in the long run, it causes more harm.

But we do not seem to remember that. One of the fundamental themes of living as seen in the media of our day is the good feeling that we have when we give another what he/she "deserves." We enjoy revenge. It is the reason why controlling it is so difficult. But control it we must if we want to live good lives. Jesus gives the Christian the incentive; knowledge of the consequences should help us understand his doctrine.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we do not like the feeling of being hurt, especially when it is unjust. We want to hurt others who have hurt us. Give us the grace to see the wisdom of your Son's teaching and help us control our anger and desire for revenge. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Mental pain is often overwhelming, and can cause us to do things that we will later regret.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. The Hebrew law of retaliation, namely "an eye for an eye," was intended to restrict vengeance to keep violence within limits. Do you feel that there is a "proper way" to show revenge? Yes or no and why?
2. Jesus wants to completely interrupt the cycle of revenge. In your opinion, is this too radical a doctrine for humankind? Yes or no and why ?
3. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition defines anger to be the desire for revenge (number 2302). In the world around you right now, what causes the most anger? What can be done about it?
4. Text analysis: "Finally I can see you crystal clear." What are the ways to determine what kind of a person someone really is?
5. Text analysis: "Don't underestimate the things that I will do." What are the most common ways that people show revenge?
6. Text analysis: "We almost had it all." What are the indications that a couple "has it all"?
7. What is the significance of the phrase "rolling in the deep"?
8. Do you think that revenge is a common desire among people? Yes or no and why?
9. In your opinion, do most Christians keep Jesus' directive to "offer no resistance"? Yes or and why?
10. The Mahatma Gandhi once said that "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind." What is the meaning of his statement?
11. As you look at history, explain how revenge causes most wars.
12. Analysis: "We enjoy revenge." True or false and why?
13. If we would live the doctrine that Jesus gives concerning revenge, describe the world that would result.
14. What does the song "Rolling in the Deep" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike