Reflection:
The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule, which can be traced back by some 5,000 years, teaches that we are to treat everyone the way we want to be treated. This ethical teaching is endorsed by nearly every religion and culture. Indeed, it is a global standard.
Early examples include the ancient Egyptian “Tale of the Eloquent Peasant.” Confucius also taught a version in 6th-5th century BC. The Golden Rule can also be found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and in Ancient Greece, in Judaism and in Christianity.
That is the historical context of the Golden Rule in today’s gospel of Luke, 6:27-36. ”Do to others as you would have them do to you,” Jesus declares.
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 Golden Rule in its perfection, all we have to do is gaze on Jesus nailed to the cross.
