Jesus spent the night before the Sermon in prayer, all night in prayer. These times of silence, stillness, simplicity and solitude, are never more important than in times of social crisis, where we have to live the new vision of reality. And then he goes on immediately to say, ‘but to you who listen (to those of you who are listening) I say this …)’ And he takes us further.
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who treat you spitefully. When someone hits you on the cheek, offer him the other cheek too. When someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you. When someone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. (Lk 6:27-30)
(The Art of Waiting by Laurence Freeman OSB)
