June 25, 2019 – Tuesday 12^th Week in OT

Mt. 7:6, 12-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.

“Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

What Jesus is saying to us today sounds very simple.

Do you want others to be kind to you? Then, be kind to others. Do you want others to be generous to you? Then, be generous to others.

This really sounds simple. Yet, as we have experienced, this is not always the case. Think of those people who were very ungrateful to you despite the many things that you have done for them. Think of those of talked behind your back, even though you have been good to them but these people remained vicious once they are at your back. Think of those people who only stay at your side as long as you can provide them their wants and needs, but once you fail to give what they want, then, they turn against you. Think also of those who always ignore you, criticize you and insult you before others.

Now, this teaching of Jesus really sounds absurd, right? The Golden Rule will really sound ridiculous when we ourselves also are not convinced of its power. Indeed, the Golden Rule of Jesus has its power to transform individuals and communities. The Golden Rule inspires change of attitude and of the heart not just to the one doing it but also to the person who is the recipient of the good deed.

Jesus gave this Golden Rule to his disciples in a positive way, “Do to others what you want others to do you.” Jesus avoided the negative approach of, “Do not do unto others what you do not want others do unto you,” which sounds passive.

This positive approach of Jesus invites us to take a proactive stance. This means that we initiate kindness, goodness and giving respect to others even though they may not deserve it. That is why; Jesus calls this the “narrow gate” because only few people will take the risk of expressing kindness and giving utmost respect to undeserving people.

Yet, once we take the risk of going into this “narrow gate,” we shall also find life and freedom. Remember, God loves us even though we are unworthy and through that love, we find life.

Thus, I would like to invite you to take the risk and actively do good things to people around, no matter who they are. At least, let them feel of your presence, a presence that neither judge nor condemn, but a presence that shows kindness and respect to the person. We don’t know that could be the most comforting day for that person, and that could also be your most awesome day. Hinaut pa.

Jom Baring, CSsR