Following the Golden Rule

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 Golden Rule is often attributed to Jesus, and it is found in the Gospel of Matthew but the saying pre-dates Jesus by a good long time.  For example, we can find versions of it in the Old Testament:

"Do to no one what you yourself dislike."

— Tobit 4:15

"Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind your own dislikes."

— Sirach 31:15

As a matter of fact, there are versions of the Golden Rule in Islam:

"Pay, Oh Children of Adam, as you would love to be paid, and be just as you would love to have justice!" 

There is a Hindu saying that captures it as well: 

"One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self. This, in brief, is the rule of dharma. Other behavior is due to selfish desires."

One final example I will share comes from the Buddhists: 

"Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."

Many other religions have a version of the Golden Rule in the advice that they give to their followers. It is not a coincidence that this rule comes up so often in human thought and in human ethics. This rule is one that is so important that it is written into our very hearts.  I believe that natives in the deepest part of the rainforest could on their own achieve knowledge of this important rule of human behavior. 

For us Catholic Christians the fact that Jesus takes time and states it out loud for His followers indicates that He too regarded it as an absolutely required practice, and not something that is optional when convenient.  Catholic Christians are called to be the Christians that all others will see and will want to emulate.  This will not be easy.  Once again, we are called to be counter-culture.  If our Catholic Church did not have enemies, well, then we would not be doing our job.  The enemies of the Church are pointing out to people that there is an "easier way."  A road that is straight and level and easy to travel.  Taking this road means you do not have to make any moral decisions, you let your body do that for you. While others are marching down the well-paved road, what road are we on?  Our road starts with a narrow gate and the road is hard and requires us to exert ourselves and push forward in spite of any obstacle.  Jesus knows that road well. He has trod it before us and His route took Him to the Cross.  At the very end of the road for us will be heaven, a place of eternal happiness and peace and where we will hear words of welcome from God, His Mother, and the saints.  That will be a great day indeed! 

The Poor Souls need prayers, do not forget them.