“The Golden Rule”

Hello again!
We have all heard of the “golden rule” and we have all taken it to heart. As a father of young children, it has become something that I’ve tried to instill in their hearts. I know I’m not alone in this, because I not only see it in the way we conduct ourselves, but it’s something that is commonly expressed. I see it in movies, TV shows, books, etc. It is safe to say, that any good human being lives according to the “golden rule.”


It’s nice to see that St. Paul also expresses this in our second reading today. He basically declares that if you follow certain portions of the Ten Commandments, you are loving neighbor as yourself. Sometimes it’s nice to see scripture back-up things that we already know. Sometimes it is good to see that holy people lived with the same common sense that we have.


In our Gospel, we also hear a common saying, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” When we hear this, we recognize that communal prayer and liturgy is quite powerful and also pleasing to God. With that said, we tend to forget about the context before this verse is expressed.


To live under the “golden rule” can be a difficult choice. There are times where it is easy and rewards seem substantial. Earlier in this same Gospel, though, Jesus expresses the importance of helping our neighbor when they sin against you. His process seems difficult, but also filled with love.


To love neighbor is to desire the best for them. Sometimes when someone is in a rut, God requires a community to care and to help them see. When one member of the Body of Christ is suffering, sometimes it is proper to have multiple members love them. Sometimes the “golden rule” involved a difficulty decision in helping others, even when they don’t want to be helped. We know that when multiple disciples are present in aid, our Lord is there with them.


Let us pray for all those who are in a rut, and let’s remind them that we are there for them. Let’s not lose hope in those who have lost faith, but rather, let us pray together for them 

Let’s also remember that self- righteousness and gossip have no place in discipleship, but rather,
gentleness, compassion and charity. Be the disciples who continue to make the “golden rule” common amongst the church.

God Bless,


Brett Becker
​
Youth and Young Adult Minister 

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