If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand him your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."
Recently, as I drove a familiar route through rural Indiana, I heard for the first time, a country hit, "My give-a-damn's busted." The singer, Jo Dee Messina, claims that she cannot be bothered with her ex's demands, expectations, and worries. She doesn't live to please others anymore. (However, I heard a male blues version that made reference to bar room fights.)
We encounter a similar indifference when we read about martyred saints. They care about God's justice and mercy, and surrender concern for themselves to God's judgment. They might be mocked, scorned, and despised by the vast majority but their attention is fixed on the One they love more than anything or anyone in this world.
They know a freedom which the world cannot imagine; a freedom which only disturbs the sleep of this world's governors.
The Lord's teachings about giving your cloak and going the extra mile makes perfect sense to them. They've got more important things in their minds and hearts than time or property; matters which are pressing and immediate, like obedience to the Lord. Matters which the world might recognize but can put off till tomorrow. Concern for oneself, one's time, reputation, and possessions -- what are they?
Christian saints and martyrs know the end is near. The purpose and goal of our life is obedience to the Love of God. It is always close, always at hand, and always demanding.
