reflection on mat. 5 38-48

Reflection on Mat. 5: 38-48 As we mingle with one another in this community, misunderstandings and conflicts are sometimes unavoidable. These are the results of the fact that each of us have brought attitudes, behaviors and cultures which we have in our families, friends or peers. I am mentioning these—the backgrounds and behaviors we have—because as I reflect on the Gospel, I realized that these are the reasons why we fail to live out the Gospel message—that is charity. The Gospel is composed of three parts, according to my own interpretation and understanding. These parts include patience, generosity and love. Reflecting on these and relating it to my own life, I was able to recognize my own immaturity. When I was being challenged by someone as if he wanted to try my patience, I immediately responded aggressively. Many times I was involved in a violent fight resulting into injuries. When asked why I did it, my answer was ‘Because it is our culture at home, when someone hurts you, hurt him too. We never let others win over us.’ Sometimes I would add ‘It is what is normal to me, to fight back to prove that I am brave enough and a real man’. When somebody asks me a favor, I sometimes find it hard to grant it to him. I would always say this alibi ‘I am also in need. We too are poor, why not ask others?’ Or sometimes, I give only what is to be given without any additional service or amount, and it is so difficult for me. When it comes to loving, of course, I love those who love me too. Those people who don’t care on me are nothing to me. Why should I love those people who go against my will? Why should I spend time learning to care for them when they don’t have any time to care for me? These are sometimes, if not always, common to us. We tend to be immature in our reasoning. Our minds are closed on what we believe as right. We often insist our own point of view even if we are in error. Brothers, the lesson I’ve got from these experiences is to be