Reflection
In our Gospel reading, Jesus says, “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.”
The first line of those verses is commonly referred to as the Golden Rule. Following the Golden Rule “narrows” the “gate” quite a bit. Instead of the Golden Rule, many are tempted to follow “Do harm to others before they can do harm to you.” Others are tempted to follow “Don’t be concerned about what happens to others. Just look out for yourself.” It is so tempting to enter through these gates and others like them. They’re so open! There’s no effort needed, and you can go right through them!
This leads me to reflect on the first verse of our Gospel reading, where Jesus says, “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.” On one level, this is practical advice. I think it’s safe to say that most of us have encountered people who seem to simply refuse to accept anything worthwhile we have to offer, and we can waste time trying to change their attitudes about certain situations, and the best option is to just walk away.
But in these divided times, it seems so easy to characterize those who are different as “dogs” and “swine,” who don’t deserve what we may have to offer: compassion or mercy or a listening ear.
Perhaps in following the Golden Rule, we are called to refrain from predetermining whether we will or will not share the love of God in Jesus Christ with others based on our judgment of them,
as the Pharisees did with the tax collectors and the prostitutes. At the same time, Jesus is not asking us to stay in abusive situations or try to force others to listen.
The “narrow gate” is love and compassion and forgiveness, justice and peace. May we always seek guidance and help and grace to find and enter through the “narrow” gate.
