Heroic generosity

Being a Christian, in the minds of many, is all about being nice.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:38-42), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reminds us that being a Christian is more than just being nice: it calls for extraordinary, even heroic generosity.

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.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.

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.

We must be prudent, especially in fulfilling our God-given responsibilities, but as followers of Christ, we need to show ourselves to be heroically generous.