Saint Romuald, Abbot (Optional Memorial)
Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. (Matthew 5:41)
Did you ever wonder where the saying “go the extra mile” comes from? Possibly from Jesus’ instruction in today’s Gospel passage! But where did he get the idea? Probably from the people around him.
In biblical times, Persian or Roman messengers could legally compel a person into service without pay to help bring dispatches from the imperial court to distant provinces. Needless to say, no one wanted that job! You can just imagine the complaints that would flow from a person forced into this service.
But Jesus wants us to take up a different attitude. Not only should we avoid complaining, but we should be willing to go twice as long as expected—to be generous and serve even beyond what seems reasonable.
That’s far easier said than done! When a coworker asks us to work late to help finish a project, it can feel unjust or inconvenient. When a relative needs help with a home repair late at night, we might want to grumble or delay helping until another day. And when a neighbor asks us to drive an extra carpool during an already busy week, we want to say, “No! Enough already!” We sense we should be more willing, but it’s so often a struggle!
It’s a good thing that God doesn’t respond to us this way! In fact, Jesus himself is the best example of going the extra mile. He emptied himself to take on flesh and all our human limitations. He suffered silently and held nothing back when he laid down his life for us. Even now, he never tires of hearing our prayers. He helps us in our weaknesses and forgives us our sins—over and over again.
How can we hope to imitate such generous love? One step at a time.
When we cooperate with the Spirit, even in little ways, we open the door to God and let him fill us with his divine love. We will find new strength and endurance, greater peace and patience. Just one step and then another. And then another. Add them all up, and we’ll find that we have already gone that extra mile.
So when someone asks you for help today, lift up a prayer, take a deep breath, and say yes.
“Holy Spirit, fill me with God’s love for the people around me!”
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 98:1-4
Daily Marriage Tip for June 19, 2017:
(Reader’s Tip) If you do something wrong, don’t say, “I’m sorry,” which doesn’t need a response. Say, “Will you forgive me?” The other spouse has to say “yes” or “no.” If “no,” you need to talk.