From the responsorial psalm: “Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth. God upholds his city for ever.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 7:6, 12-14)
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.”
In a few sentences, Jesus relates to the disciples three important teachings: care for and guard holiness, treat others as you would have them treat you, and enter the narrow way that leads to life on earth and to everlasting life. Throwing pearls before swine, among those who outright reject spiritual truths, calls for careful discernment if and when those truths are shared. The Golden Rule is a daily guide in every way we treat others in compassion and respect. To strive for the narrow gate is to strive for holiness, to seek God’s will, commit to it, and do it.
God, help me live in harmony with others as I take in the profound message of today’s Gospel. Help me remain grateful for all of your gifts, including the truth of the Gospel and the opportunity to be a means of your love to others. Throughout the day, I am bound to be drawn to the broad road that leads away from you. Through your grace, help my love for others be sincere even when I feel that it is constricted, ineffectual; through the help of the Holy Spirit and for your glory, Lord, lead me through the narrow gate to bring your gift of joy to those who need it most.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lectio Divina Reflections 