Daily Gospel Reflection
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June 15, 2020
Jesus said to his disciples, “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.
“If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”
“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 5:41-42
Jesus’ words shocked his audience at the time and continue to challenge us today. The Romans could demand that a local carry their heavy bags and equipment for 1000 paces – one mile. This was a reminder of the power they held over the native Jews in Palestine. Many of Jesus’ fellow Jews loathed this oppressive law. Yet, Jesus told them to go ‘the extra mile’ when pressed into an unjust service. Jesus asked them to walk with their oppressors. Jesus instructs his disciples to serve not only their neighbors or their enemies but anyone who asked of them. Anyone.
My colleagues often interrupt my workflow. Sometimes it drives me crazy, and I just need to shut my door. Once, when my door was shut, a coworker tentatively poked her head in because she needed to talk. Was it a good time for me? No, I was swamped in deadlines. When I put aside my work, however, and gave her my time, I realized that she desperately needed a compassionate listener at that moment. If I had turned her away, I would have never been able to see her distress or offer her comfort. I would have brushed her aside as just another pesky interruption.
Jesus invites us to set aside our own tasks and focus on the needs of others. He asks us to do this, especially when it is inconvenient, annoying, or unfair. The next time someone asks a favor of us, let us leave our own desires aside and give of ourselves beyond what is requested to give to the one who asks of us and go the extra mile.
Prayer
Lord, please grant us the desire to want to learn how to forgive as you do. When we beg for forgiveness, you readily grant it. All is wiped clean, all is forgotten. We put our trust in your generosity. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Edburga was the daughter of Saxon king, Edward the Elder of England, and was born in the early tenth century, around 920 AD, before the Norman Conquest of England. In the twelfth century, a legend of her life was written down by Osbert de Clare.
According to this legend, when Edburga was only three years old, her father was trying to decide whether she would be called to live in the world or as a religious sister. On one side of the table, he placed rings and bracelets, and on the other, a chalice and a book of the Gospels. When Edburga was brought in to the room, she reached for the chalice and the book.
Edburga was given over to the monastery that her mother sponsored, St. Mary's Abbey in Winchester. Edburga received her education there and stayed to profess vows.
In the monastery, Edburga did not seek special treatment on account of her noble lineage, although that was common practice at the time. Instead, she delighted in cleaning the shoes of the other wealthy nuns. Some tales say she washed their stockings for them while everyone else slept. Her humility led her to occasionally receive unjust punishments, but she accepted them gladly.
St. Edburga died on June 15, between the years 950 and 960. Veneration of this good and holy prioress began almost instantly after her death, and she was canonized in 972.
St. Edburga of Winchester, who chose religious life over the royal court—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Edburga of Winchester is available for use under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license. Last accessed March 18, 2025 on British Royal Family Wiki.