Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 150
Luke 6:27-38
The Golden Rule, which has roots that extend back approximately 5,000 years, teaches us to treat others as we would like to be treated. This ethical principle is supported by nearly every religion and culture, making it a universal standard. Early examples of this teaching can be found in the ancient Egyptian story, “The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant.” Confucius also presented a version of the Golden Rule in the 6th-5th century BC. Additionally, the Golden Rule is present in Hinduism, Buddhism, Ancient Greece, Judaism, and Christianity.
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke (6:27-36), Jesus emphasizes this principle by stating, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”But Jesus doesn’t stop there. Verse 31 is the pivot point where Jesus goes beyond the self-interest of the Golden Rule. Jesus teaches the true motivation for practicing the Golden Rule, which is nothing less than a radical summary of love.
The love that Jesus commands in this gospel is one that loves the enemy, loves by doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who hate us, and praying for those who curse us Jesus re-interprets the Golden Rule by pushing the concern for reciprocity out of the picture.
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?” Jesus asks. Love and expect nothing in return. That is, love the way Jesus loves us.
Today’s gospel challenges us to live by the Golden Rule – and more. If we want to see the Golden Rule in its perfection, all we have to do is gaze on Jesus nailed to the cross.
Fr Joseph Osho
