Matthew 5.38-45
Jesus said: ‘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.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
Reflection
There is no sharper issue between church and state than war and peace. Christian attitudes range from pacifism (as with the Society of Friends) to a willingness to bless weaponry and soldiers on their way to battle (as with many state churches). In between, there are those Christians who regard a ‘just war’ as an occasional necessity to prevent a greater evil, and those who regard consistent support for the forces – through chaplaincy, financial support, provision for veterans – as a Christian duty.
At first glance, Jesus’s words seem to encourage pacifism – and to contrast with much of the Hebrew Scriptures’ witness to God supporting the Israelites in battle. But it may not be quite so straightforward. The phrase “if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile” refers to the right of Roman soldiers to insist that civilians from nations which they had conquered (such as Israel) carry their heavy packs for a mile – but no more than a mile. Jesus seems to encourage people not only to obey this irksome instruction, but voluntarily to go the second mile, thus aiding the conquering armed forces. Even if Jesus intended this only as a metaphor, it is still striking that he uses this example of assisting a conquering soldier to make his point.
Perhaps this is one moral conundrum where the Basis of Union of the United Reformed Church has something to say – Civil authorities are called to serve God’s will of justice and peace for all humankind, and to respect the rights of conscience and belief. The state should respect the right to opt out of military service on grounds of conscience, but retains the right to defend itself, provided (and this is quite a proviso) that it ,does so in ways that promote justice and peace for all humankind.
Prayer
God of Peace,
warfare is destructive and horrible,
and wars of conquest lead to oppression and suffering on a huge scale.
We pray for all those who suffer when there is a rush to fight,
but we must also pray for those who believe that armed service is their vocation.
Help us to go the second mile in our search for peace
and in our pastoral care for those who have entered the forces.
Amen.