“Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses...” (Mt 7:12)

“Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.” (Mt 7:12) 

Today’s Passages: Mt 7:7-12; Est 14:1, 3-5, 12-14

Meditation: Today’s meditation passages precisely remind us of what God wants from us to be reconciled unto him and unto our brethren. In a sense we can see that the whole salvation history is making humanity aware of this principle of divine-human relationship. This can also be understood from the point of view of covenantal relationship between God and man: “If you listen to me and keep my covenant, you shall be my very own possession among all the peoples.” (Ex 19:5)

As the Israelite heard this message of God through Moses they all agreed: “all that the Lord has said, we will do.” (Ex 19:8) However, we know from Israel’s history that despite the fact that God was steadfast in his love and faithfulness, the people of Israel always has proved unfaithful to this covenantal relationship. Therefore, many a time they were put under various punishments. You cannot enjoy and experience the real love and faithfulness of God unless you love and obey God

.

The more you love God the greater your experience of the love of God will be. Even if we don’t love him, God loves us but that experience of love may be more in the form of mercy and forgiveness. That is why we are asked to return to the first love and works (Rev 2:4-5). This is the pure love God and Adam experienced; this is the love Adam and Eve experienced in the beginning: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” (Gen 2:23)

It is in this purity of mind only, one can trust in and desire for others’ good, and love them. However, is it possible today in our society? Where do begin from? Who will make the first step? The experiences we have already from the society pulls us back; no more fidelity possible! God showed us the way: “In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn 4:10) In the gospel reading we hear Jesus saying, “Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets.” (Mt 7:12)

Yes, in this Lenten season, let us therefore, desire for the good of others and be good to others, and fulfill the law and the prophets. Whenever you do something good to others, even if they do not do something good in return to you, God will reward you abundantly. The narrative of the last judgment in the Mathew’s gospel chapter 25 makes it clearer. The word of God says, “Do not turn away your face from anyone who is poor so that God may not turn away his face from you.” (Tob 4:7) 

                         

 Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread. Lord, give us the courage and readiness to do good to others and be children of God. This doing good to others may always be led by the intention of your reward not human appreciation and glory. We ask for this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Greetings: God is with you! Wish you a blessed and fruitful Lenten Thursday!