A Moslem friend once remarked how difficult if not impossible  it would be to follow Jesus in the light of "offer the other cheek". He was right. This saying goes against our intimate knowledge of ourselves in interaction with other people.  Slap!!!! Flush and retaliation is what we know and horrified instant regret; frantic apologies if we have assaulted a loved one and guilt for not being as Christ want sus to be. St Paul was aware of this too; aware that human beings are prone to all sorts of Evil. He is not bragging but merely categorizes the "slaps" that we must all endure in trying to live a life that will be pleasing to God. We must actively pursue the virtues purity and all that is holy. Our human nature must be tamed and remodelled in imitation of Christ's humanity so that we take on Christ and reveal him by our actions. All this be done in humility without the affectations condemned in the Pharisees. God is with us we were created to know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for it is from and in the Trinity that our only eternal salvation comes.

Dear Lord help me to face the inconveniences and annoyances of my everyday life in a way that is as you directed. Forgive me for the offences I have committed in the first 3 hours of this day.