Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31) This has been called the “Golden Rule” with which many of us are familiar. It is “golden” perhaps because it is a principle that, if lived by, is known to bring divine blessing, peace between the parties, and even success in professional life.

But let’s think about it for a moment. It is good and right to follow this rule, and I think many people of goodwill want to follow it. However, we should not assume that it is so simple to apply in everyday life. I can think of at least two things that are required: (1) it requires us to consider how our words or actions will affect another person, which is a skill of empathy not everyone has in high capacity; and (2) it requires us to consider what words or actions we would want to receive in the same situation, which depends upon our own level of self-esteem.

Regarding the first, if I don’t think about or have a sense of how the other person will take my words or react to my behavior, then I may need to grow my feeling of empathy. Regarding the second, if I am overcritical toward others, it might be because I am critical toward myself. So, let us respect ourselves and the other and ask, “What would I want them to say to me if I were in a like situation?”

Another point to consider. The Golden Rule seems to imply a kind of reciprocal relationship. But the context in which Saint Luke places it is not about reciprocal relationships. It’s about loving your enemies, who usually don’t love you back. It’s about giving to those who take from you and not expecting anything in return. What is reciprocal about that? “What credit is that to you?” Jesus wants our love to go beyond repayment because then our “reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High.” (Luke 6:35)

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB