Living Selflessly

Gospel Reflection for June 17, 2024

“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. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” (Mt. 5:38-42)

Today’s Gospel passage clearly communicates that we are called to live selflessly. We are called to see Jesus in others and to treat them and serve them as such. We must keep in mind that each and every person, no matter who they are, what they’re like, or how they treat us, is a creation of the Lord’s.

When others treat us poorly, we are called to love them all the more!

When others are in need and ask us to help them or provide for them in some way, we must serve them just as we would readily serve the Lord.

If Jesus stood directly before us and told us He needed us, we wouldn’t hesitate to be there for Him. So, why should we hesitate to be there for those He places in our lives?

We must respond to others with love and selflessness, whether it be by holding back from retaliating when someone hurts us or by going above and beyond to serve others and be there for them. May we love and sacrifice for others as Jesus has loved and sacrificed for us!