The golden rule

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.”

REFLECTION ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE. Jesus teaches us that there is no cheap way to heaven. What is this narrow gate? Based on the context, it is the practice of the Golden Rule that is all about healthy human relationships. Jesus sees this as the summary of the teachings of the Torah and the Prophets. It is living according to the Word of God.

We go to heaven by treating others with delicadeza and putting ourselves in their shoes. If we know ourselves and our own sensitivities, we will avoid inflicting pain on others. We do not hurt them because we do not want to be hurt by them in return. We help the poor because we see our poverty in them. We identify ourselves with them.

Christianity is not a cheap religion. Many Catholics convert to other denominations because they cannot take its discipline. They want to abandon their spouses or children to make their personal lives comfortable or to start a new family. The Catholic Church does not allow divorce or infighting. Some religious groups may not care if you are having an affair with another or are engaged in sinister activities as long as you are generous with your donations.

The narrow gate is listening to the teachings of our authorized spiritual leaders with regard to faith and morals, based on reason, sacred traditions, and the Word of God.