Everyday practices, revoked

After Matthew 5:38-42 

Everyday practices refuted,

revoked, redrawn, recast.

They are (in order):

first, an eye for an eye,

a tooth for a tooth

   (so proclaims the law).

Second, a slap on the right

cheek now requires 

an offering of the left cheek.

A lawsuit to take your shirt

becomes an opportunity 

to offer your coat as well.

Forced to go one mile,

respond by going two.

Confronted by a beggar

or asked to make a loan,

give

joyfully

with love

with the love 

you’ve been given.

 

Photograph by Joshua Earle via Unsplash. Used with permission.