June 18th, 2024

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
17.06.24
Today's gospel Matthew 5:38-42

The Sermon on the Mount is about Jesus teaching us to love our enemies, and going beyond the requirements of the law. Jesus uses the Old Testament law statements;

-  "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, Deuteronomy 19:21), but then says, "But I tell you not to resist an evil person."
-  "turn the other cheek" and not seek revenge.
- If someone takes your tunic, give them your cloak as well.
- If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with them.
- Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow from you.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is teaching us to go beyond the requirements of the law and to show love and kindness to those who may not deserve it. He's teaching us to be like God, who "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45).

​Prayer. 
Lord God,  help us to love others,  even those who do wrong to us. 
Amen.