Lamentations 3:30-33
“Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.  For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.  For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.”

Luke 6:27-29a
“But I tell you who hear me:  Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.”

Mark 15:16, 19a
“The soldiers let Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers…Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him.”

Saviour God, your power is adorned with a mysterious mercy.

In Christ you made the face of God vulnerable to a man’s scornful strike.  Though we spitefully ignore your gentle authority, you turn again and again to us.

By the strength of the one we emulate, give us greater concern for the aggressor than for our wounded pride.  Help us trust that our trials are temporary but your compassion is everlasting.

We ask this in the name of the one who courageously and continually offered his cheek to those he came to save, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Listen to ‘May the Mind of Christ my Saviour’ by Ordinary Time