The Principle of Retribution: A Spiritual Perspective
Based On Don Dolindo's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19
The Holy Monastery of Sinai, Katholikon. Detail of the mosaics above the apse of the bema, depicting Prophet Moses loosening his sandal before the Burning Bush.
In his commentary on Deuteronomy 19, Don Dolindo digs deeper to reveal the spiritual wisdom within the biblical principle of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth." He asserts that "God has placed in us the testimonial proof of our sins and miseries. Our conscience accuses us, and our guardian angel accuses us."
Before delving into Don Dolindo's insights on the matter, it is crucial to elucidate the doctrines of the Catholic Church. The principle of "an eye for an eye" was never intended to advocate unlimited personal vendetta or to provide allowance for individuals to take justice into their own hands. Instead, its aim was to set up proportionate justice within legal systems and society (Deuteronomy 19:18-19)(CCC 2266). Jesus challenged even this limited interpretation, advocating radical non-violence and forgiveness instead: "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also..." (Matthew 5:38-39). As God declares "Vengeance is mine, and recompense" (Deuteronomy 32:35), retaliation belongs to the Lord.
So if "eye for eye" is not meant for individuals to apply but rather for judges, how then do we, as Christians in the 21st century, properly understand and apply this passage from Deuteronomy? How do we derive deeper spiritual meaning that resonates today? The 20th century Italian priest Don Dolindo provides valuable perspective. According to Don Dolindo, “God speaks to us through the Scriptures for our spiritual edification. He would not have preserved the remembrance of these laws and commandments concerning past generations if they did not also mystically concern us.” Let us reflect then on his commentary to gain insight into the spiritual wisdom within "eye for eye" as we seek to apply these teachings to our lives with fidelity.
Don Dolindo explains Deuteronomy 19 saying: "Before the Lord, who is infinite justice, there is the true law of retribution, for there is no fault that does not need to be atoned for, and no debt that does not need to be paid." He explains further: "Life for life, those who destroy within themselves the life of grace lose the life of glory; eye for eye, those who blind the light of faith within themselves get lost in the blinding darkness of naturalism and become blind even in human matters; tooth for tooth, those who refuse the food of life receive the food of disgrace."
Don Dolindo continues: "hand for hand, foot for foot, those who do not do good, those who do not walk in God's ways, sever their most beautiful activities and fall into inertia. This is the fate of all witnesses who in the Church of God bear false witness by accusing her of defection."
Rather than advocating harsh retaliation, Don Dolindo reveals the spiritual meaning behind "eye for eye, tooth for tooth." Those who spiritually "blind" themselves by lack of faith and immorality will in turn be blinded in their souls. They lose the light of divine grace and wander aimlessly in spiritual darkness.
Similarly, those who reject spiritual nourishment will receive only humiliation and disgrace. As Don Dolindo explains, "tooth for tooth, those who refuse the food of life receive the food of disgrace." Those who fail to do good works and follow God's path experience inertia and paralysis in their souls.
Don Dolindo applies this lesson to "all witnesses who in the Church of God bear false witness by accusing her of defection." Specifically, he references those who separated themselves from the Church, saying "They say that the Church has departed from the truth, and it is they who have lost life because God has taken away from them the treasure of faith."
In conclusion, and as Don Dolindo states, the concept of divine retribution conveys how "our choices shape our souls." To nurture spiritual life, we must fix our eyes on faith, nourish ourselves with God's grace, and actively serve God. If we cut ourselves off from divine life, we inevitably experience a loss of sight, sustenance and vitality.
Lord, let our eyes be lamps filled with the light of faith, not blinded by the darkness of sin (Luke 11:34). Open our ears to hear the whispers of Your Spirit, that we may receive the hidden manna and new name You promise (Revelation 2:17). Forgive us when we suppress Your truth and love the darkness because of our wicked deeds (Romans 1:18). Transform our minds and do not let us conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2). Though discipline seems painful now, may it produce righteousness and peace in us (Hebrews 12:11). Remind us that we reap what we sow, so may we walk with integrity on Your path, not crooked ways that will be exposed (Galatians 6:7, Proverbs 10:9). If we walk in darkness yet claim fellowship with You, bring us back into Your marvelous light and truth (1 John 1:6). May the Blessed Virgin Mary, who models perfect discipleship in walking always as a child of the light, guide us to her Son. Through her Maternal intercession, may we grow in holiness and fidelity to Your will. Amen.
