Universal Utterings

for June 16, 2025

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

06-16-25 Matthew 5 v3842 Give to the One Who Asks

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The Gospel of Matthew 5 Verses 38 thru 42

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’39 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. 40 If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

Matthew 5:38-42 is a part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches profound principles that challenge societal norms and encourage deeper ethical reflection. In these verses, Jesus addresses the concept of retaliation, which was rooted in the Old Testament law of "an eye for an eye." He begins by acknowledging this legal principle but then radically reinterprets it.

Jesus instructs His followers not to resist an evil person; instead, He encourages them to turn the other cheek when struck, give more than is asked when someone takes their tunic, and to go the extra mile when compelled by a Roman soldier. These teachings are not merely about passive acceptance of wrongdoing but rather about confronting evil with love and grace.

The essence of this passage reveals that followers of Christ are called to demonstrate a love that transcends personal justice. By offering the other cheek, one does not retaliate but instead asserts dignity and strength in a non-violent manner. This act of submission can be interpreted as a refusal to engage in a cycle of revenge, suggesting that transforming personal relationships and societal norms is possible through acts of radical love.

Moreover, Jesus' command to go the extra mile speaks to a willingness to serve beyond expectations, subverting the status quo of power dynamics. Historically, a Roman soldier could compel a local Jew to carry their gear for a mile, which was a source of resentment. By going beyond the request, the Jewish person reclaims agency and disrupts the imposition.

In summary, Matthew 5:38-42 invites Christians to embrace an ethic of radical love and non-retaliation, turning moments of injustice into opportunities for grace and transformation, ultimately reflecting the character of Christ in the world. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

06-16-25 Matthew 5 v3842

**Give to the One Who Asks**

In the land where justice cried for more,

An eye for eye, from ancient lore,

But Jesus spoke of love anew,

A path of grace we’re called to pursue.

When struck by hate, don’t raise your hand,

Instead, with courage, take a stand.

Turn the cheek, let love ignite,

In this darkness, be a beacon bright.

If taken from you, offer again,

Let generosity be your plan.

Walk the extra mile with joy,

Transforming hearts, no ploy, no coy.

In every challenge, choose to show,

A grace that seeds and helps love grow.

For when we give and choose to care,

We find the strength to love, and share. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

June 16, 2025 @ 04:44 AM EST

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