Once we finally realize that which we're being taught...in short, the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, or even shorter, give over, give up, give in...we understand the difference between learning and doing.
Some of us learn and forget about it; some learn and promptly teach; others learn and recognize that we need to put aside all else we've known. Which is pretty much as Meister Eckhart taught: God is not found in the soul by adding anything, but by a process of subtraction.
We learned early on that ego deflation in depth was essential to our spiritual growth, and we were good with that...from our eyebrows up. Doing it, however, proved to be almost entirely about it being done to us...an ego dog-fight right there.
We've come to another hard lesson a-learning: Ego deflation in depth requires our going against the dictates of our reasoning mind...against our egoic truths; namely, that we must stand up for ourself, not let others take from us or push us around, etc. Then...here's the Sermon on the Mount come to show us our way: If someone slaps you upside your head, turn the other cheek, if someone steals your coat, run after them and give them your cloak, resist not evil, etc.
Here's my take on the story: If we have seriously and sincerely turned our will and our life over to the care of God, we need worry not about standing up for ourself or fretting about protecting ourself...it is done. We've given all those concerns for self over to the care of God. He has them...he has us in the palm of his hand. Our task now is all within our own self...to give over within, to give up within, to give in within. This is seeking first the kingdom of Heaven, and ego deflation in depth is done for the day.
The punchline: The speaker of the snark, the slapper of our cheek may be proving our worst ego-fear come true: They may be walking around full of them self for getting over on us, may be telling others what a schlemiel we are and others may well be believing it...yet we know, believe, feel love in our heart and soul for them, and their story is as nothing to us. I have experienced this...not very often, but because I have, I can again...and I am beyond grateful.
The reward, and no, we shouldn't be looking for a reward but who's kidding whom? So the reward is we have peace of mind, we know joy. We love and laugh...a lot.
Thank you.
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