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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, September 11, 2025

Scripture:

Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 6:27-38

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.

Deacon Manuel Valencia retired from active retreat ministry at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, after 23 years. He continues to provide spiritual counseling there and delivers a monthly homily at the retreat chapel.

Daily Scripture, April 4, 2012

Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9a Matthew 26:14-25 Reflection: The Challenge of Faith in Jesus Today’s Gospel selection tells us how Judas finalized his plot to betray Jesus; in some places this day » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 3, 2012

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6 John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reflection: Shelly Douglass, director of the local Catholic Worker House in Birmingham, AL, once commented that she always thought that "Jesus meant what he » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 2, 2012

Monday of Holy Week Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11 Reflection: It’s Holy Week in the Western Christian World, there’s anticipation in the air.  Here, in Chicago, the Cub’s home opener » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, April 1, 2012

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Scripture: Mark 11:1-10 or John 12:12-16 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39     Reflection: Today, Palm Sunday, the blessing of the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 31, 2012

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:21-28 John 11:45-56 Reflection: "Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves.  They looked » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 30, 2012

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:10-13 John 10:31-42 Reflection: Jesus makes the statement which would have him condemned to die. "I am God’s Son." Are we not reminded constantly that we are God’s » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 29, 2012

Scripture: Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59 Reflection: "The Lord remembers his covenant forever."  I take comfort in the covenant I have with the Lord described in today’s readings.  The comfort comes » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 28, 2012

Scripture: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42 Reflection: In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that if we are to be disciples, we are to make His Word our home.  How » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 27, 2012

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 Reflection: Sociologist Peter Berger writes, "It seems plausible that folly and fools, like religion and magic, meet some deeply rooted needs in human society."   » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 25, 2012

Fifth Sunday of Lent Scripture: Jeremiah 31:34-34 Hebrews 5:7-9 John 12:20-33 Reflection: In our Gospel reading from John (12:20-33), when Philip and Andrew tell Jesus that there are "some Greeks" » Continue Reading.

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