Earlier in Matthew the gospel asked you to settle on your way to court so not to be judged yourself. Now you are asked to deepen your relationships, to be kind and merciful, even with your enemies.

One cold stare invites another. Insult is traded for insult. One punch follows another. Somewhere down the road, there’s an exchange of gunfire. Wearying cycles of violence and vengeance spiral through history, each side seeking to deliver the blow that leads to decisive victory. But there’s no victory.

“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’

Six years ago, Bishop Don Samuel Ruiz died. He’d been bishop of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas in southern México during turbulent years. He was known and loved for his empowering of the indigenous people in his diocese.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

From now on there can be no more wars of faith. The only way to overcome our enemy is by loving him.