Week 3

Read:

• Promulgation of the Reign of God  – Part 2 (Matthew 5:1-6:34)

Information:

Verse 5:39b: “But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

When a person would slap another person, they would use their right hand.  Since the verse states that the right check is struck, this means that the person is given a backhanded slap.  This is an insult and an act of humiliation.   Therefore, if you turn your cheek, you don’t show humiliation.  As a result, you rob the other person of the ability to humiliate you in this manner, shaming them instead.  This should cause the violence to end, which will allow the aggressor a chance at repentance, leading toward a healing of the relationship.  (New Collegeville Bible Commentary: The Gospel According to Matthew by Barbara E. Reid)

Questions:

• What verse(s) stood out to you and why?
• While reading the beginning of Chapter 5, I feel like I am at a pep rally.  I expect to hear a roar of applause and cheers while each Beatitude is read.  What comes to your mind when reading them?  Do they offer comfort to you or do they bother you?   Are they inline with our society’s values? (Matthew 5:1-11)
• As shown above in the information section, to “turn the other cheek” means to stop the cycle of retaliation and to help bring along repentance.  Look at your relationships.  Are any of them ones in which you always seem to end up fighting?  If so, how have you contributed to the cycle?  What are some ways you can help end the cycle of retaliation? (Matthew 5:38-41)
• When you do the Lord’s work or pray to Him, are you doing it to praise the Lord or to gather acclaim? (Matthew 6:1-18)
• Where does your treasure lie?  How much value do you place on money and material goods? (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Additional Questions found in your study guide or in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – The Gospel of Matthew (page 75)