When we are hurt, we feel like retaliating. We feel like not just giving an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth (see Mt 5:38), a punch for a punch, or a hurt for a hurt, but an extra punch or two "for good measure." We want to do more than get even; we want to be one up on our enemies.

Jesus believes we should retaliate for hurts done against us by giving "one more for good measure." The difference between Jesus and human nature is that Jesus wants us to retaliate with the opposite of the hurt rather than more of the same. Paul understood this and taught: " 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; by doing this you will heap burning coals upon his head.' Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good" (Rm 12:20-21). Instead of returning blow for blow, we can return good for bad, a blessing for a curse, and a prayer for an insult (Lk 6:27-28). In so doing, we still give our enemies "one for good measure." If they take our coats, we give them more — even our shirts (Lk 6:29). According to God's ways, not yours, get back at those who have hurt you.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, January 29, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 5, 1996