Lex Talionis Is No Laughing Matter

Here are the talons of an American Eagle, powerful enough to crush a human arm and latch closed in place without any further effort. The lex talionis was the law of the talon, the law of revenge which crushed enemies in vengeful acts of retaliation.

Jesus gives us the law of love in this morning's gospel. Instead of crushing revenge, an outstretched hand of mercy and reconciliation.