We never want to lose honor, but if we do, we are no longer in touch with the core of who we are as children of God. We react rather than respond to others, especially if we feel threatened. Our defenses kick in, and we say things and even do things we may regret later on.
It can happen in a blink of an eye and sometimes shock us. I have said to myself, “How did that happen?” Then I am sorry and have to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always helps me get my head and heart back with Jesus, who restores my honor as God’s son.
Jesus uses several examples that people in His time faced quite frequently. I will speak only on one, turning the other cheek. Jesus instructs us how to respond if someone strikes us on the cheek. “Turn and offer the other.” Slapping on the cheek was something a person in authority would do to someone subservient to them: a parent to a child, a soldier would do to a citizen.
They used the left hand only for the toilet. They never offered it to another person or put it on the table at a meal. That left the right hand to slap someone. Slapping with the palm of your right hand on the left cheek was a put-down and an insult.
To strike with the back of your right hand on the left cheek treated the victim as an equal. “Turn and offer the other.” ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal,’ turned the tables on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37-39).
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus kept his dignity as God’s Son on the cross. He lost His life, not His honor, as God’s only Begotten Son. The Father raised Him from the dead. He will save us when we respond to an aggressor and not retaliate. Let’s think before we speak so we don’t lose our honor as children of God.
March 12, 2026, Luke 11:14-23https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031226.cfm The Finger of God? “If it’s by the finger of God that I cast out demons…” I got a little
March 12, 2026, Luke 11:14-23https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031226.cfm The Finger of God? “If it’s by the finger of God that I cast out demons…” This phrase, ‘the finger
March 10, 2026, Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031026.cfm Reconciliation: Inconceivable but Necessary. God, in His wisdom, gave us a precious gift: our conscience. This
March 9, 2026, Luke 4:24-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030926.cfm Homecoming. When I returned home from my studies in England, my family warmly greeted me at the airport terminal.
Monday 11th Week in Time June 17, 2024
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Monday 11th Week in Ordinary Time
June 17, 2024, Matthew 5:38-42
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061724.cfm
Keeping Your Honor
We never want to lose honor, but if we do, we are no longer in touch with the core of who we are as children of God. We react rather than respond to others, especially if we feel threatened. Our defenses kick in, and we say things and even do things we may regret later on.
It can happen in a blink of an eye and sometimes shock us. I have said to myself, “How did that happen?” Then I am sorry and have to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always helps me get my head and heart back with Jesus, who restores my honor as God’s son.
Jesus uses several examples that people in His time faced quite frequently. I will speak only on one, turning the other cheek. Jesus instructs us how to respond if someone strikes us on the cheek. “Turn and offer the other.” Slapping on the cheek was something a person in authority would do to someone subservient to them: a parent to a child, a soldier would do to a citizen.
They used the left hand only for the toilet. They never offered it to another person or put it on the table at a meal. That left the right hand to slap someone. Slapping with the palm of your right hand on the left cheek was a put-down and an insult.
To strike with the back of your right hand on the left cheek treated the victim as an equal. “Turn and offer the other.” ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal,’ turned the tables on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37-39).
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus kept his dignity as God’s Son on the cross. He lost His life, not His honor, as God’s only Begotten Son. The Father raised Him from the dead. He will save us when we respond to an aggressor and not retaliate. Let’s think before we speak so we don’t lose our honor as children of God.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 3rd Week in Lent
March 12, 2026, Luke 11:14-23https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031226.cfm The Finger of God? “If it’s by the finger of God that I cast out demons…” I got a little
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 3rd Week in Lent
March 12, 2026, Luke 11:14-23https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031226.cfm The Finger of God? “If it’s by the finger of God that I cast out demons…” This phrase, ‘the finger
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Tuesday, 3rd Week in Lent,
March 10, 2026, Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031026.cfm Reconciliation: Inconceivable but Necessary. God, in His wisdom, gave us a precious gift: our conscience. This
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Monday, 3rd Week in Lent,
March 9, 2026, Luke 4:24-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030926.cfm Homecoming. When I returned home from my studies in England, my family warmly greeted me at the airport terminal.
Categories
Send Us A Message