Go an extra mile ! (1)

Sunday July 4, 2021

Go an extra mile ! (1)

“If someone forces you to go a mile, do two with them.” Matthew 5:41

In Jesus' time, the Romans occupied the country and their soldiers had the right to requisition the first passer-by found to carry their equipment - more than 40 kg ! - over a distance of a thousand paces. This practice seems to come from the Persians who, under Cyrus, developed the first postal mail system in history, establishing post houses where messengers exchanged their mounts. If the courier who was supposed to pick up the mail was missing, anyone passing by the relay could be requisitioned to make the next trip. Because of the weight of their equipment, the Romans had limited the distance to a thousand paces, but beware of anyone who did not immediately give up his activity to obey the soldier who asked him to wear his "gear" ! One may wonder why Jesus advocated doubling the distance required by Roman law. Was it to encourage his audience to be extra generous ? Or, as John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim's Journey, wrote : “You haven't really lived today if you've failed to do something for someone who can't never reciprocate.” Did Jesus mean that those who wanted to become His disciples had to self-deny for their own sake in order to become sources of blessing for others ? He adds : “Love your enemies... Then you will be children of your Father who is in heaven, because He makes His sun rise on the bad and on the good...” Theologians speak of “common grace” to define this proof of universal divine love, since God never wishes the destruction of the wicked, but his conversion. Doesn't He encourage us in this way to show others, even our enemies, the same universal love whether they are our neighbors, our colleagues, our boss, or the first passer-by ?

Source (His Word for Today)