God’s Living Word Today - Tuesday, June 23, 2020

God’s Living Word Today - Tuesday, June 23, 2020

[2 Kgs 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 and Matt 7:6, 12-14]
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets." [Matthew]

The scripture passage noted above is known as the ‘golden rule.’ It appears in the Bible explicitly in the Book of Tobias (4:15) but stated negatively, which was the way it was known in Jesus' time. (Do not do unto others what you would not want them to do unto you.) Jesus states it positively and says that it sums up "the Law and the Prophets."

In its ancient form, the roots were probably in the "laws" of retribution and revenge.  For Jesus it is stated as a law of love.  The Sermon on the Mount goes beyond physical action to motives.  Jesus asks us to give without expectation of return.  If our giving is conditioned by the expectation that someone will reciprocate, then our giving is tainted.  [Luke 14:13-21].  The refusal of some invitees to attend a banquet could be based on an inability to reciprocate!  Jesus urges us to do more than "random acts of kindness."  Kindness is to be a way of life for Christians.  Others may or may not reciprocate, but Jesus promises that our actions will not go unnoticed and unrewarded if done from love of God and neighbor.

Father Dennis