Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Gn 13:2, 5-18; Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5; Mt 7:6, 12-14
Notes: Three commands of Jesus that at first glance seem distinct but unrelated.
Actually the first two are reflections of the third.
Life is all about choices.
Abram and Lot made choices that had long standing consequences.
We do too.
There are two ways, one of life and one of death.
Pick wisely.
Commands
- Do not give what is holy to dogs.
- Do unto others whatever you would have them do to you.
- Enter through the narrow gate.
Cross Reference
- Proverbs – Do not speak in the hearing of fools; they will despise the wisdom of your word (PV 23:9).
- Didache – There are two ways, one of life and one of death. First, you shall love God, who created you; second, your neighbor as yourself. Whatever you would not wish to be done to you, do not do to another.
- Gospel of John: But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep (Jn 10:2, 7). Jesus is both the Way through the Gate and the Gate itself and the Shepherd who guides.
The first two reflect the third.
- (3) Jesus talked the talk and walked the walk (the gate, enters himself). Jesus is the one to follow and we should heed and hear his voice.
- (2) Evaluating your actions based on the impact an action would have on you is the Way.
- (1) Don’t make trivial the Law and the Prophets. Don’t treat as optional the beatitudes of life.
First Reading
If you prefer the left, I will go to the right;
if you prefer the right, I will go to the left.
Responsorial
He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel
Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine.
Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
Enter through the narrow gate.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry