Today’s gospel is taken from The Sermon on the Mount, and there are three key, yet difficult teachings that Jesus directs to his followers.
- Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine
The word holy means the consecrated meat from animals used in the temple for sacrifice. For Jews, dogs were unclean animals, so one would never give them anything that was to be used in worship. To throw means to give instruction, the pearls refer to the message of the kingdom, and the swine are the unsympathetic listeners. So, Jesus is telling his followers to not share their beliefs with everyone, as some will not be ready to hear it, accept it, and may even reject it. True faith in God is a gift that touches people at different times on their spiritual journey.
- The Golden Rule
Jesus then instructs his disciples to treat others as they want to be treated. However, this is easier said than done. Think of someone who ignores you, doesn’t listen to your needs, or even criticizes you. Maybe someone who gets on your nerves and you just can’t get along with them. How do you treat them? Jesus tells us to ask ourselves: how do you want others to treat you? If you want to be treated with respect, kindness, and love, you must do the same with those around you. That’s what we are called to do.
- Narrow gate and wide road
The narrow gate expresses the paths of the two ways: one leading to life, the other to death. To follow the wide road is to do just about anything you want. It’s living a life of self-centeredness and not caring about others. But when we enter the narrow gate, we follow a clear set of values and live the gospel of Jesus by putting the needs of others before our own. That is the path that leads us to a treasured life.
Today, let us reflect on the choices and actions we take as we strive to: embrace the teachings of Jesus, follow the Golden Rule in our interactions with others, and aspire to enter through the narrow gate of discipleship. The gate may be narrow, but if we try to enter through it faithfully, it will lead us to a life of fulfillment and joy. Amen.
What is the cost of discipleship? Find out here.
