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.
Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Matthew 25:31-46 Reflection: In a poll recently conducted by the Pew Research Forum on Religion and Public Life, folks were asked thirty-two questions about the Bible, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 9:8-15 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:12-15 Reflection: Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:9b-14 Luke 5:27-32 Reflection: "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but » Continue Reading.
Ash Wednesday Scripture: Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Reflection: "Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12 Reflection: "You burden me with your sins, and wearied me with your crimes. It is I, I who wipe out, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 3:13-18 Mark 9:14-29 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading from Mark, we have what I consider one of the most useful prayers ever prayed. Our reading takes place right » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 2:14-24, 26 Mark 8:34-9:1 Reflection: "If you cannot spend much time in prayer, no matter: to act well is always to pray well. Be » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 James 3:1-10 Mark 9:2-13 Reflection: "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this need not be so. " 1 James 3:10 Several months » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 2:1-9 Mark 8:27-33 Reflection: A few years ago I attended a panel discussion at one of the very well known and attended Catholic churches in Chicago. The congregation » Continue Reading.
Tuesday before Ash Wednesday The Prayer of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-9 Luke 22:39-46 Reflection: Today is Mardi gras, Fat Tuesday, especially in New Orleans. » Continue Reading.