So, do to others whatever you would that others do to you: there you have the Law
and the Prophets.
Enter through the narrow gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads
to destruction, and many go that way. How narrow is the gate that leads to life, and how
rough the road; few there are who find it.
Reflect
The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It seems so simple,
easy even. But immediately after sharing this rule with his followers, Jesus cautions them
that the path of righteousness is narrow and difficult. Our own life experience and our
knowledge of the world around us tells us that Jesus is absolutely right. For some reason,
it’s hard to do the right thing.
Why is it so difficult? What makes the way of righteousness such a difficult road to follow?
We cannot discount the ways that sin has distorted our world. Although Baptism removes sin
from our souls, its effects in our culture remain in a lingering tendency to sin. Following the
Golden Rule requires being attentive to others’ needs. That kind of attentiveness demands
time and effort, along with a large dose of unselfishness.
Every time greed and violence are promoted while kindness and gentleness are mocked,
the path narrows. Every time we must put others’ needs ahead of our own desires,
the path narrows. Though the path is narrow, the journey to God is always worth the effort.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023