Matthew 5: 38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Jesus Flips the Script
Growing up in small-town Wisconsin, I listened to this Gospel dozens of times from the pews of Most Precious Blood, where I attended church and school. Long before “Midwest Nice” was screen-printed on hipster t-shirts, I understood this text as a call to be generous, hardworking, and polite—all good things.
Later, far from my hometown, people on the margins around the world helped me understand Mt 5:38-42 differently—as a message of liberation. In its historical context, it reveals dignity-affirming ways to confront and disrupt injustice. Through creativity and courage Jesus flips the script.
I bear witness to this same spirit in the stories of those caught in the machinery of mass deportation—who remain faithful and hopeful even in detention. It is visible outside Milwaukee’s ICE facility in prayerful vigils, and in local artists who offer the proceeds of their work to help post bond.
Where do you see this Gospel alive today? How is it calling you to act with courage and creativity?
—Jill Drzewiecki is the executive director of Casa Romero Renewal Center, bringing nearly three decades of faith-based experience accompanying displaced persons to advance the center’s mission.
Prayer
The source of this prayer is a local migrant woman who was detained in another state. She recently shared her testimony, as well as the prayers she and other women wrote and prayed together while in the facility. I invite you to pray for and with our migrant brothers and sisters who are detained in facilities throughout the country. As we pray, we remember all those who are separated from their families and communities, and we hold them in our hearts as we pray together:
Mighty God, today we raise our voices from this place where we are deprived of our freedom.
You know our stories, our mistakes, our regrets, and also our deep desire to rebuild our lives.
Lord, I ask you to place your hand upon our legal situation. Enlighten the judges, attorneys, and authorities handling our case so that they may act with justice.
Break the chains of injustice, remove the obstacles that delay our freedom, speed the process, and move hearts in our favor.
Protect us while we are here, held in your power and your infinite love.
May it be so. Amen.
—Jill Drzewiecki