{"id":1297,"date":"2014-02-23T07:26:04","date_gmt":"2014-02-23T12:26:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/renewaloffaith.org\/blog\/?p=1297"},"modified":"2014-02-23T07:26:04","modified_gmt":"2014-02-23T12:26:04","slug":"homily-death-penalty-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.renewaloffaith.org\/blog\/homily-death-penalty-7th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a\/","title":{"rendered":"Homily – Death Penalty – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A"},"content":{"rendered":"

7th<\/sup> Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A<\/a>
\nLeviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
\n1 Corinthians 3:16-23
\nMatthew 5:38-48
\nFebruary 23, 2014<\/p>\n

\u201cAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth\u201d <\/i>\u2013 Jesus reminds his disciples of these words that are found three times in the Old Testament.<\/p>\n

These words are still quoted by some today.\u00a0 It\u2019s nice to know that the Bible is still quoted today but unfortunately the words get \u201cmisused\u201d.<\/p>\n

People use these words to justify the death penalty.\u00a0 They quote these words to say that if a person commits murder, the proper response is their execution.<\/p>\n

There are two problems in using the words, \u201cAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth\u201d<\/i> in this way.\u00a0 First, if you are going to quote scripture, you need to look at the whole of scripture.\u00a0 To quote these words without referring to what Jesus has to say about them is to do the words injustice.<\/p>\n

Jesus follows his quoting of these words with a \u201cbut.\u201d\u00a0 That should be an immediate indication to us that the common understanding of these words is not the preferred understanding.\u00a0 Jesus basically tells us not to retaliate when someone attacks us.<\/p>\n

The second problem with using these words in this way is it falls to think about why God first spoke these words.\u00a0 When rules are given, it generally implies that someone has broken the rule without knowing it.\u00a0 Rules are developed when there is a problem.<\/p>\n

So, in hearing the words, \u201cAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth\u201d<\/i>, we can assume that someone was not retaliating in proportion.\u00a0 People would retaliate more harshly than they were attacking.\u00a0 God said no!<\/p>\n

What should be our response as Christians when others attack us?<\/p>\n

To answer this question I think we need to consider our reason for responding.\u00a0 Are we responding to seek justice or revenge?\u00a0 Are we responding to protect ourselves?<\/p>\n

Leviticus clearly tells us to \u201ctake no revenge\u201d<\/i> or hold no grudge.\u00a0 Jesus tells us not to strike back but to respond with kindness.<\/p>\n

So revenge is clearly out but how do we distinguish between revenge and justice?\u00a0 If a person commits a crime, should they not face a proper punishment?<\/p>\n

We must consider the purpose of punishment.\u00a0 When we \u201cpunish\u201d a child, we are not doing in retaliation but to help the child learn better.\u00a0 Through \u201cpunishment\u201d we learn that when we do bad things there are consequences that must be faced.\u00a0 Hopefully, through the punishment we receive as children we become better people.<\/p>\n

So in asking if a punishment is just, we should ask ourselves does it help the person become a better person.\u00a0 If we just want to see them punished to make us feel better, that is revenge.<\/p>\n

There is another reason that we \u201cpunish\u201d people who have committed a crime, especially violent crimes.\u00a0 We need to ensure our own safety.<\/p>\n

We lock people who have committed violent crimes in person to protect everyone else.\u00a0 This can be appropriate but the time spent in prison should still have helping the criminal become a better person (Catechism of the Catholic Church <\/i>2266<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Our faith teaches us that life is sacred and a gift to be cherished.\u00a0 This includes the commandment not to kill.\u00a0 This is directed toward the taking of innocent life but includes the lives of criminals too.<\/p>\n

Jesus preached forgiveness.\u00a0 If we want to be forgiven, we must be willing to forgive others.\u00a0 Murder is a terrible thing and we must act to protect ourselves but let\u2019s leave the judging to Jesus.<\/p>\n

So, when a crime is heinous enough, it can warrant life in prison to ensure the safety of others.\u00a0 The Church does not absolutely<\/i> prohibit the death penalty but it clearly states in the Catechism of the Catholic Church<\/i> (2267<\/a>) that it should only be used when absolutely necessary to defend human life.<\/p>\n

Most of us (hopefully) will not be involved in the punishment of a murderer but we can all probably claim to have been wronged by others.\u00a0 What is our response when we have been wronged?\u00a0 How are we treated by others whom we have hurt?\u00a0 What is the Christian response of love and compassion?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48 February 23, 2014 \u201cAn eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth\u201d \u2013 Jesus reminds his disciples of these words that are found three times in the Old Testament. These words are still quoted by some today.\u00a0 It\u2019s …<\/p>\n

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