The Law of Retaliation: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth..." demanded from the evil-doer the same punishment that he had inflicted (Ex. 21:23-25). But Christ invalidated this law with concrete applications and a positive conclusion. He asks us to love those who do evil and violence. It is the Christian paradox which asks "to do good instead of evil". This is what our faith asks for, which requires the giving of ourselves to all, no matter what their behaviour towards us is.

In the first reading, we read also a meaningful consideration. The Israelite knows that the function of the king should excel; he recognizes him as the angel of the Lord who discerns good from evil. But at the same time he discovers the true reality which surrounds him, and so questions accusing the powerful. "Do you now govern Israel?" A very good reflection which should lead us not only to question those in authority but also to pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit to come upon them. To exercise authority in Christianity means to save the life of the poor, rescue them from poverty and violence, care for people.