Today,
Jesus teaches us that forgiveness can overcome hate. Talion's law
meant some progress, as it limited the wish to retaliate down to a
fair proportion: do unto others as you would have them to, unto you;
otherwise, it would be unfairness; this is what the aphorism «eye
for eye, tooth for tooth» actually means. It was, however, a
limited progress, as Jesus Christ emphasizes in the Gospel the need
that love overcomes revenge; this is how He expressed it when, on his
Cross, He interceded for his executioners: «Father, forgive
them, they know not what they do» (Lk 23:34).
Nevertheless,
truth should always accompany forgiveness. We do not just forgive
because we feel helpless or gravely embarrassed. Quite often, the
expression “to turn the other cheek” is misinterpreted as
waiving our legitimate rights. Certainly, nothing of the sort. To
turn the other cheek means to denounce and interpellate, with a
peaceful but categorical gesture, whoever has done the injustice
committed; it is like saying: «You slapped me on the cheek,
¿now what, you want to slap me on the other too? do you really
think you are behaving rightly?». Jesus replied serenely to the
high priest's rude servant: «If I said something wrong testify
as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike
me?» (Jn 18:23).
We can, therefore, see
what our Christian behaviour must be: not to retaliate, but to stay
firm; to be open to forgiveness but clearly say things. It is
certainly not an easy task to accomplish, but it is the only way to
put a stop to violence and show the world the Divine Grace it is
lacking of, so often. St. Basil advises us: «Believe me and you
will forget the offences and insults you get from your fellow man.
You will see how differently you will be named; he will be called
angry and violent while you will be cited as meek and peaceful. One
day, he will repent of his violence, but you will never regret your
meekness».
