Cherishing our honor is essential, but losing sight of it can disconnect us from our true identity as children of God. In moments of threat, we may react instinctively instead of responding carefully. Our natural protective instincts can cause us to say or do things we’d later regret. It’s essential to acknowledge these moments and gently guide ourselves back toward kindness and understanding.
It can occur suddenly and may come as a surprise. I often think, “How did that happen?” and then feel sorry and need to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always helps me realign my mind and heart with Jesus, who restores my honor as God’s son.
Jesus uses several examples that people in his time frequently faced. I will focus on one: turning the other cheek. Jesus teaches us how to respond if someone strikes us on the face. “Turn and offer the other.” Slapping on the cheek was something an authority figure would do to someone subordinate — a parent to a child, or a soldier to a civilian.
They only used their left hand when using the toilet. They never offered it to others or placed it on the table during a meal. This left the right hand free to slap someone. Slapping someone with the palm of the right hand on the left cheek was considered a sign of disdain and an insult.
Striking the victim with the back of your right hand on the left cheek treated them as an equal. “Turn and offer the other.” ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal.’ The tables turned on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37- 39).
Gospel Challenge: Jesus maintained 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 if we respond to an aggressor without retaliating. Let’s remember the power of our words and think before we speak so we don’t lose our honor as children of God. This response empowers us to maintain control over our actions and responses. Love your Neighbor!
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Father Rick’s Homily: Thursday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
September 10, 2026
Luke 6:27-38
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091026.cfm
Keeping Your Honor
Cherishing our honor is essential, but losing sight of it can disconnect us from our true
identity as children of God. In moments of threat, we may react instinctively instead of
responding carefully. Our natural protective instincts can cause us to say or do things
we’d later regret. It’s essential to acknowledge these moments and gently guide
ourselves back toward kindness and understanding.
It can occur suddenly and may come as a surprise. I often think, “How did that happen?”
and then feel sorry and need to apologize. The Sacrament of Reconciliation always
helps me realign my mind and heart with Jesus, who restores my honor as God’s son.
Jesus uses several examples that people in his time frequently faced. I will focus on
one: turning the other cheek. Jesus teaches us how to respond if someone strikes us on
the face. “Turn and offer the other.” Slapping on the cheek was something an authority
figure would do to someone subordinate — a parent to a child, or a soldier to a civilian.
They only used their left hand when using the toilet. They never offered it to others or
placed it on the table during a meal. This left the right hand free to slap someone.
Slapping someone with the palm of the right hand on the left cheek was considered a
sign of disdain and an insult.
Striking the victim with the back of your right hand on the left cheek treated them as an
equal. “Turn and offer the other.” ‘Go ahead, treat me as your equal.’ The tables turned
on the aggressor. (See John J. Pilch, The Cultural World of Jesus, Volume A, pp. 37-
39).
Gospel Challenge:
Jesus maintained 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 if we
respond to an aggressor without retaliating. Let’s remember the power of our words and
think before we speak so we don’t lose our honor as children of God. This response
empowers us to maintain control over our actions and responses.
Love your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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