Today's Gospel is one of the most challenging texts in the whole of the Scriptures. It seems so unrealistic. How can we be expected to love people who do us actual harm? Isn't it natural to hit back? Yes, says Jesus, that is just what pagans do. The problem for many is the word 'love', which we identify with warmth and affection. But the love that Jesus speaks about is different. This love is a deep-down desire for the well being of the other person.

Even with our enemies, we can have that kind of love. We can want them to change, not only for our sake but also for their own. Turning the other cheek is not weakness, it requires great inner strength - the strength not to stoop to the attacker's level. We have a lovely example in the First Reading where Saul is hunting David and wanting to kill him. But David suddenly finds Saul asleep and completely at his mercy but only takes away his spear and water jug when he could have killed him. Saul has the graciousness to acknowledge that he is in the presence of a greater man. Let us, too, always try to take the initiative in love.