Jesus says, “If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29). Buddha says, “If anyone should give you a blow with his hand, with a stick, or with a knife, you should abandon any desires [to hurt him] and utter no evil words” (Majjhima Nikaya 21.6). [Lifted from Fr Richard Rohr's "Daily Meditation," December 8, 2017]
"We have ceased fighting anything and anybody." (Anonymous)
The puzzlement to me is how I can be on the spiritual path, truly believe each of the above statements is necessary for me in my life, and still get in such mental fistfights with anyone who "strikes me on the cheek," or "gives me a blow with his hand." Or is simply nastier than they ought to be...to me.
I have heard that described as "part of the process" and "growing in God" and lots of other hoo-ha, but who's kidding whom...that is self-will on a roll. Knowing better is all well and good but until we're doing better, we ain't growing in God. End of sermon.
Although I do believe my sermons give God a giggle.
Thank you.
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