In today’s Gospel Jesus says “But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.” Take that, with respect Paul, in 2nd Corinthians 6 talking about “Weapons of Righteousness.” There are those who will say “turn the other cheek” is a commandment to roll over and remain passive against those who are evil. I am not one of those.

St. Francis says “where there is hatred let me bring love.”

Exactly four months ago Pope Benedict XVI, said that if we are truly convinced of God’s love and power, we will be “not afraid to confront evil with the weapons of love and truth alone.”

Passivism toward evil is actually contrary to the Gospel. Christ did not bear his Cross kicking and screaming. Instead he fought evil with the weapon of love by forgiving his killers and taking away our sin on the cross. Then in a display of power only God could provide, Jesus rose.

You are fighting in the revolution against violence when your weapons of righteousness are love, truth, and your reliance on God’s power.

Update: This post has been included in this week’s Catholic Carnival. If you’re here via the Catholic Carnival, welcome! If you’ve never read it, check it out.