Awkward Circumstances

AM Psalm 55:1-20 • PM Psalm 138
Exod. 40:18-38 • 1 Thess. 4:1-12 • Matt. 5:38-48

Today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 5:38-48, pushes us into awkward circumstances. For example, Jesus tells his disciples, “You have heard that our forefathers were told ‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’” And then he reverses the situation and tells us, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other also.”

Chapter 5 contains the specific rules of behavior that Jesus presents to his disciples and to us. In some of the assigned readings for today he offers:

“You have heard that they were told…What I tell you is this. Do not resist those who wrong you…Give to anyone who asks and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow.”

In this very challenging and frightful time, when we are:

• encouraged to avoid well-attended church services,

• forced to modify our public attendance behavior,

• ordered to take few risks,

• encouraged to stay home all the time,

• striving to avoid unfiltered air

We can remember Matthew 6:9-13:

Our Father in Heaven,
may your name be hallowed
your kingdom come
your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us the wrong we have done,
as we have forgiven those who have wronged us.
And do not put us to the test,
but save us from the evil one.

Written by Doug Cummins

Doug Cummins is a tenor in the St. Paul Episcopal Church Choir; is retired from active teaching, acting, and playwriting; and will always be a Texan.