Many of us are familiar with the famous Bollywood movie Munna Bhai MBBS. In one scene, Sanjay Dutt’s character, Munna, recalls a saying attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: "If somebody hits you on one cheek, show him the other cheek." But did you know that this teaching actually comes from Jesus Christ? It is found in the Gospel of Matthew (5:39) and is echoed in today’s Gospel from Luke (6:27-38), where Jesus calls us to radical love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Mahatma Gandhi, though not a Christian, deeply admired Jesus' teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount. He practiced non-violence (ahimsa) and believed in overcoming hatred with love. But what does it mean for us, as followers of Christ, to "turn the other cheek" in our daily lives?
The Challenge of Radical Love
Jesus begins today’s Gospel with a striking command: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." This is not an easy teaching. We live in a world where revenge seems natural and even justified. If someone insults us, we feel the urge to respond with a sharper insult. If someone wrongs us, we want justice—often in the form of retaliation. But Jesus offers a different way: the way of love.
Loving those who love us is easy. Even non-believers do that. But loving those who hurt us, praying for those who mistreat us, and showing kindness to those who do not deserve it—this is true Christian love. Jesus does not ask us to be weak or passive but to be strong in mercy, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful.
Turning the Other Cheek – Strength, Not Weakness
Turning the other cheek does not mean allowing others to walk all over us. It means refusing to let hatred control our actions, not taking revenge. It means breaking the cycle of violence and choosing the higher road of peace. When Jesus himself was struck during his trial (John 18:22-23), he did not retaliate, yet he also did not remain silent. He confronted injustice with truth and dignity.
Think of people like St. Mother Teresa, who responded to hatred with love. Or even Mahatma Gandhi, who led a movement not with swords but with peaceful resistance. These are examples of how Christian love can transform the world.
The Golden Rule: A Measure of True Christianity
Jesus sums up his teaching in one simple principle: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." We want to be treated with respect, kindness, and patience—so we must extend the same to others. If you want to receive love, praises, respect and honour from people then started giving them to people. What goes out will come back to you.
This challenges us in our homes, workplaces, and even within our church communities. How do we respond when someone criticizes us? How do we treat those who irritate us? Do we hold grudges, or do we seek reconciliation? Our love must be more than words; it must be an action that mirrors Christ’s love for us.
Be Merciful as Your Father is Merciful
Jesus calls us to be merciful just as God is merciful. Mercy is not about excusing wrongdoing, but about responding with compassion. If we expect God to forgive us, we must also forgive others. If we want God’s blessings, we must be generous in our love.
This teaching is especially relevant in a world filled with division, anger, and resentment. We are called to be different. As Christians, we are to be the light in darkness, the peacemakers in conflict, and the healers in a broken world.
Conclusion
The message of today’s Gospel is not easy, but it is powerful. Loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, and showing mercy is the path to true freedom and joy. It is the way of Christ. It is the way of the cross.
Let us ask for the grace to live this Gospel in our daily lives. May we be known as people of love, mercy, and forgiveness, following the example of Jesus.
If Munna Bhai can be inspired by Gandhi’s principles which had foundation in Jesus' teachings, how much more should we, as followers of Christ, be inspired by His perfect love? Let’s challenge ourselves to turn the other cheek—not out of weakness, but with the strength of divine love.
Fr. Vincent Barboza
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