The English teacher whose desk is next to mine has been working his way through Matthew, as a linguistic and cultural exercise. He’s a non-observant Buddhist in the typical Japanese fashion, and frequently asks me questions about it, or offers his own comments (for example, “This is a very… deep book. Like philosophy.”), and it leads to some good discussions in various ways.

This summer, he and his wife are going to visit his eldest son, who is a karate instructor in Senegal. On the way, they’re stopping for about ten days in Italy, so he can check out the art (he used to teach art as well as English, and spends most of his spare time painting). He’s been warned by a number of people about the dangers of pickpockets and the like while there.

He turns to me and reads, “But I tell you not to resist and evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away,” and pauses. “My son tells me that in Italy maybe some man will want to steal money from me, even one hundred Euros. … I am thinking I should remember this verse.”

I’m thinking I should, too.

PS