Marathon runners rarely smile before, during, or after the race and usually have a very serious expression. If there were aliens, everyone who participated in the marathon might be considered a criminal because they don’t look happy. Humans think they only enjoy happy and joyful work and avoid hard, painful work, but in reality, human motivation is more complex. Even if something is hard and painful, it’s not as simple as just participating in marathons. Humans do not act solely based on joy and happiness. If humans can find meaning in life and experience progress even when it’s difficult, they are willing to do it. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”