Insults and Violence

1. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth. (Mt. 5:4)

2. Blessed are the peace-loving,  for they shall be called children of God. (Mt. 5:9)

3. You have learned what was said to the ancients: You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall deserve being condemned  to judgment. But I say to you that whoever shows anger against his brother shall deserve being condemned to judgment; whoever says to his brother  Raca  shall deserve to be condemned by the council; and whoever   says to him: You fool, shall deserve  being condemned to the fire of hell. (Mt. 5:21-22)

4. By these maxims, Jesus makes meekness, moderation, docility,  affability and   patience  a  law.  Consequently,  he condemns violence, anger and even any discourteous expression regarding another person. Raca, to the Hebrews, was a term of scorn that meant a worthless person, and it was said while spitting and turning one’s head to the side. Jesus goes even further, since he threatens with the fire of hell anyone who says to another person: You fool. It is obvious that here, as in every circumstance, the intent either increases or attenuates the wrong; but how can a simple word have enough gravity to deserve such a severe reproach?  It is because  every offensive word expresses a sentiment contrary to the law of love and charity, which should regulate human relations and maintain harmony and unity in them; because such a word is an insult to mutual benevolence and fraternity; because it encourages hatred and animosity; finally, because after humility toward God, charity toward one’s neighbor is the first law for every Christian.