St.Paul, in the second reading, makes us understand that human beings are the temples of God because God’s Spirit dwells in them, and for that reason it amounts to an assault against God if in any way we try to destroy any human being; Paul says that should there be an attempt to destroy God temple (human beings), God will destroy the person. It therefore means that even individuals do not have the right to destroy themselves or allow themselves to be destroyed by others, by way of allowing evil or bad influence from others take hold of them. Little wonder then that the gospel reading advices us to always counter with good actions the evil or bad actions directed against us by others; for Jesus said;” do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and you have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Not destroying the temple of God must be connected to our imitation of God’s holiness, like stated in the first reading, and allow that to direct our relationship with our brothers and sisters.
