SAINT ROMUALD, ABBOT (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Offer no resistance. 

A young man grew up observing and, at times, even participating in violence against people who didn’t share his faith. At one point, however, a Christian, at great personal risk to himself, reached out and shared the gospel with him. In response to the good news of Christ’s love, the young man, also at great personal risk, declared his faith in Jesus. When asked what had most drawn him to the Lord, he said it was Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “Offer no resistance to one who is evil” (Matthew 5:39). This teaching was so far beyond what the world could conceive that he became convinced that Jesus truly is God.

Today’s passage is indeed a radical call. In just a few words, Jesus sweeps away all the accepted legal responses to injustice and tells his followers to act in a completely different way. But notice that he was not speaking only to a large, anonymous crowd. He was also speaking to “his disciples” (Matthew 5:1)—his closest followers. It was these disciples who had seen Jesus live out his teachings on a daily basis. Later, they would see him live out his words to the fullest as he humbly allowed himself to be mocked, beaten, and crucified.

After Jesus’ resurrection, these same disciples followed in his footsteps. They did not fight back when persecuted, even if it meant being martyred for the faith. And through their willingness to “offer no resistance,” the Church grew and spread.

Many Christians still face persecution and injustice today. At times they endure severe hardship and even death because they refuse to fight evil with evil. And many hearts are still being touched and changed.

Today, let’s ask the Spirit to pour out his grace on all persecuted Christians. May he give them the courage and strength to resist fighting evil with evil. Let’s also pray that we would be able to turn the other cheek. This doesn’t come easily, but with God’s grace, our decision to “offer no resistance” could just be the catalyst for someone to turn to the Lord.

“Jesus, be with all persecuted Christians today. May their witness—as well as mine—bring people to faith in you.”

2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 98:1-4
Matthew 5:38-42