ON SECOND THOUGHTS

ON WALKING THE EXTRA MILE

We are trained not to think through biblical texts; especially so, with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Yet, his main purpose, in teaching, was to challenge people to think. Thinking, he knew, was basic to being free.

Now consider this oft-quoted saying of Jesus. If anyone forces you to walk with him one mile, go with him two.

Don't you think that there could be a problem with this teaching?

What if you are out on something urgent? Something you need to attend to, which cannot wait?

And the man who is FORCING you is doing so just because he can, and thinks that you are in no position to resist him?

Suppose you are rushing to the house of a doctor to seek his urgent help for your daughter who is seriously ill?

Or, you are on your way to catch the train due to arrive in a few minutes? You can't miss the train, because you have to catch a flight from where the train takes you?

What if you are in no position to walk the extra mile?

That takes us to an important insight.....

If you live your life with an earnest sense of purpose, most people will not FORCE you to walk.

So, mind how you live! What sort of personality you develop.

If you haven't bothered to develop your personality beyond the personality of an aimless wanderer, one who lives from hand to mouth, one who drifts and not leads a life of vitality, you could invite gratuitous pressures of this kind.

On the other hand, if you live with a clear and fierce sense of purpose, others will think ten times before forcing you....

Now there is another twist. How did you get into the vicinity of this boor, who forces you to walk with him?

We have to be mindful not only of who we are, but also where we are. We can't be leading a dignified and purposeful life and be in the vicinity of thugs.

An implication of this teaching of Jesus is that we must keep a safe distance from those who cannot respect human freedom and dignity. On the contrary, if you choose to be with them, then be ready to walk the extra mile.

Of course, this is not how the text is interpreted. So, let me turn to the familiar interpretation.

Yes, you walk the extra mile. But how would you do that, if you are a child of God? Walk the extra mile with him, if you are sure that it will have a beneficial (shall I say, transforming) impact on him.

Walking the extra mile has no spiritual value, if you walk that stretch as a slave or a coward.

Walk the extra mile in such a way that, because you have walked with him, he will never again FORCE anyone else to walk a mile or a step with for his sake alone

What do you think?

It is not a sin to think, do you know?

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