Christian Justice

     In today's Gospel (Mt 5:38-42), Christ tells us do not resist one who is evil. While it is easy enough to agree with Jesus in theory, it is extremely difficult for us to actually practice what the Lord has preached. I thought I'd share three brief examples I've heard of Christians who were able to stifle the desire to return evil with evil, instead choosing to teach their opponents an even stronger lesson.

     Blessed Mother Teresa once went with a small child to a local baker in Calcutta and begged for bread for the child. The baker spat in her face. Undaunted, she calmly replied: “Thank you for that gift to me. Do you have anything for the child?”

    Archbishop Desmond Tutu once was walking on the pavement in apartheid Johannesburg. He was met by a white man coming along the other way, who said to him: “Get off the pavement; I don’t make way for gorillas”. Tutu stepped aside, gestured broadly, and said “I do”. 

     

If you watch closely at Texas Rangers Outfielder Josh Hamilton as he waits for his pitcher to throw during an away game, you'll likely see his mouth moving. He's praying for the fans of the opposing team that have paid money for a ticket and an opportunity to verbally abuse the former drug addict and recovering alcoholic whose personal demons nearly cost him his baseball career and his life. Rather than responding with obscene gestures and vulgar language, like many sports stars have done to obnoxious fans in the past, Hamilton, a born-again Christian, chooses to pray to his God that these people have a conversion of spirit. 

      Let us remember always that our actions are the greatest tool we possess for preaching the Gospel of Jesus. If we return evil with good, perhaps we will leave an unforgettable mark of Christian forgiveness and charity on the soul of the other person. At the very least, your kindness in the face of hate and scorn will drive your enemies crazy with envy for the peace that they lack.