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Good morning.

In less than twenty-four hours, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will face each other in what has been billed as the most highly-anticipated heavyweight boxing rematch in history. After their first encounter ended in a controversial draw, both athletes are hungry for victory and will surely pull no punches. Whatever advice their coaches are giving them in the final few hours before the starting bell, the Gospel admonition to ‘turn the other cheek’ is unlikely to feature.

Of course, this is a sporting event. But in our everyday lives in the real world we all have to ‘pick our battles’: we have to discern when to stand our ground, and when to stand up for what we believe in; when to suffer in silence, and when to speak out for the truth; when to ‘turn the other cheek’, and when to fight for what is right. In either case, love must be our motivation, even, and - for those of us who try to follow Jesus – especially when it comes to our enemies. The real victory, in the end, is not in defeating the person facing up to us, but in being reconciled with them and celebrating together, with no rematch on the cards.Ìý ÌýÌýÌý

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Almighty God, your deep desire is to end the conflict which divides the human race and bring lasting peace to our human family, establishing a Kingdom of justice and truth. During this day ahead, grant us the grace to work for that Kingdom. Purify our intentions, strengthen our arm, enlighten our vision and may we share in the victory you won for us through your own self-giving love. Through Christ, our Lord. ÌýAmen.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý