For now, choose where we can give infinitely

For now, choose where we can give infinitely

Turning the other cheek is such a difficult principle to practice. It could be impractical especially in contexts where the law of the jungle is upheld.

The way I am making sense of this is to manifest my agency and self-determination; that is, to choose for myself a space where I can keep on turning the other cheek and give infinitely without being devoured by predators.

And that space is in the academe. For us educators, when we feel we are being taken for granted by students, we turn the other cheek and teach them anyway. When peer reviewers reject our research, we turn the other cheek and resubmit anyway.

In a way, the ideal is to make a world such a place where we can easily forgive another. But if it’s hard to put into practice, then maybe the more feasible invitation is to choose and mold spaces where there would be an unrelenting ecosystem of support, where failure is forgiven and put into appropriate perspective.

For now, let’s choose where we can give infinitely.

Matthew 5:38-42. Turn the other cheek

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 164: JUNE 13, 2022]