Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, ‘I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today's reading from St Luke's Gospel includes the 'The Golden Rule'. A number of Eastern religions and philosophies have something similar:

• Confucianism: "Do not do unto others what you would not want done unto you."
• Hinduism: "This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done unto you".
• Buddhism: "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful".

These commands were written between 500 - 400 BCE. So did Jesus copy them? Well there is one major difference. His words are not quite the same. The three statements above are all negative (ie "Don't do" something!) and passive (ie requiring people not to act). But Jesus commands us to positively do something for our enemies. The first four of these are:

• to love them.
• to do good to them.
• to bless them.
• to pray for them.

Jesus' words are very difficult, and to live in this way is a huge challenge. Indeed it is only possible with God's help. However, with Him all things are possible!

Lord Jesus,
You call us to love all people,
including those who hate us.
But You know that we find this difficult,
and we ask Your help to change our thinking
to offer love to all with whom we come in contact.
Amen.