FRIENDS and SERVANTS of the WORD
25 JUNE 2024 TUESDAY X11
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7: 6/12-14)
How shall I live this Word? 
“Whatever you want others to do to you, you also do to them: for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This statement would be enough to restore peace to the world! It is the golden rule that encapsulates in itself all possible wisdom about behavior among people. A teaching contained in different cultures, religions, and traditions; it is the basis of all authentically human values. How many times have we looked for a sure compass that would show us the path to take. This statement of Jesus, clear and immediate to understand and live, shows us the way.
Jesus invites us to put ourselves in the shoes of the other just as He did by taking on our human flesh to love us. In the different situations of life, faced with even daily choices, let us ask ourselves if we can put ourselves in the shoes of the other. This Word spurs us to be creative and generous, to take the initiative on behalf of everyone, to build bridges even with those who are not our friends, as Jesus himself said and did. It requires the ability to go out of ourselves, to be credible witnesses of our faith.
What do we expect from our parents, husband or wife, children, colleagues, government leaders, spiritual guides: acceptance, listening, inclusion, support in material needs, but also sincerity, forgiveness, encouragement, patience, advice, guidance, education …. So? Can we put ourselves in each other’s shoes?
Lord, grant me to understand more and more that only when I live my humanity in fullness do I make Your love for us visible; I make my faith visible.
The voice of the Religions
What you do not want done to you, do not do to others. This is the whole Torah. The rest is comment. (Jewish) No one is faithful until they desire for others what they desire for themselves. (Islam) Do not harm others in ways that you would find harmful for yourself. (Buddhism)
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Living Scripture 
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