Word to the Wise
Sunday, February 20, 2022 - 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C [omit in 2010]
[1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38]"Do to others as you would have them do to you." [Luke]
In less than one chapter, the evangelist Luke provides a summary of the "Sermon on the Mount" that we know so well from the Gospel According to Matthew (chs. 5-7). Within this "summary" there is one line that sums up much of both versions. We call it "the Golden Rule." Although Jesus quotes an ancient rule (cf. Tobit 4:15) that even appears in other religious traditions, he gives it a positive thrust instead of saying "Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you." But the same uncomfortable challenges are there. "Love your enemies!" "Forgive and you will be forgiven!" "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful!"
The Golden Rule is a one-line examination of conscience! Jesus provides many examples, but the rule is the same. We are challenged to go beyond the minimum negative expression: "Do not, etc..." and be generous in our sharing and forgiving and mercifulness. "Good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing....!" How well do we measure up to that challenge? Can we be that generous in forgiveness and mercy? G. K. Chesteron's famous quote about Christianity being found difficult and not tried springs to mind.
A few lines later in this same chapter are the words: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do what I command?" Going to church is not enough. Christianity embraces all of life. This is why that "Golden Rule" is so challenging. AMEN