Reflection: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

Tuesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time – Matthew 7:6, 12-14

In today’s gospel passage, Jesus uses an image that most of us have never used in our lives.  Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not give to dogs what is holy and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them underfoot and tear you to pieces.”

Then Jesus moves into a more positive message.  He instructs his disciples to treat others as they want others to treat them.  Jesus’ teaching corresponds with the familiar saying, “Do unto others as you want them to do to you.”  However, this is not always as simple as it sounds. Think of someone who ignores you or criticizes you.  Or think of a person you simply do not like, who gets on your nerves, or who desires more from you than you wish to give.  How easy is it to treat those people as you wish to be treated?

Jesus’ command to treat others as you wish to be treated is countercultural in our world.  How do you want others to treat you: with respect, acknowledgment, and interest?  I assume we all wish to be treated in this manner.  However, when it comes to doing this ourselves, it often is not as easy as it sounds.  It is often easier to judge others or to treat them as they treat us.

Today I invite you to be truly present to the people you encounter and to treat them as you wish to be treated.  You may only have a few minutes with a person you can make the most of those minutes.  Your time and attention may be a great gift to that individual.  In those minutes, you also may receive a gift!