In sharing the gospel, be wise and discerning,
Sacred teachings hold value, deserving our yearning.
Sacred teachings hold value, deserving our yearning.
Not all hearts are ready, not all ears will hear,
Indiscriminate sharing may bring rejection or fear.
Treat others with kindness, respect in your stride,
Proactive goodness, let love be your guide.
Build relationships healthy, respectful, and true,
For what you desire, let it first come from you.
The narrow gate calls, a path hard and steep,
Discipleship’s journey, commitment to keep.
Contrasting the broad way, easy yet dire,
The narrow path leads to life, lifting us higher.
These teachings remind us, be wise in our ways,
Live ethically, commit to Christ all our days.
Discernment, ethics, dedication in view,
A spiritual journey, rewarding and true.
REFLECTION:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
We should be very discerning about sharing the gospel, understanding the value of sacred teachings, and the need to protect them from being disrespected or misused. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths, and sharing them indiscriminately can lead to rejection or hostility.
We should treat others with the same kindness and respect we desire. It is a call to proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm. A foundational guideline for building healthy, respectful, and loving relationships.
The narrow gate represents the challenging path of discipleship, requiring commitment and perseverance. It contrasts the ease of following the broad path, which leads to destruction, with the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of making wise, deliberate choices.
These teachings collectively encourage us to be wise in our interactions, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ. They remind us of the importance of discernment, the value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Grant us the wisdom to be discerning in sharing Your gospel,
Understanding the sacred value of Your teachings,
And the need to protect them from disrespect and misuse.
Help us recognize that not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths,
And guide us to share Your word with sensitivity and love.
Teach us to treat others with the same kindness and respect we desire,
To embody proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm.
May we build healthy, respectful, and loving relationships,
Reflecting Your love and grace in all our interactions.
Lead us through the narrow gate, the challenging path of discipleship,
Requiring our commitment and perseverance.
Help us to resist the ease of the broad path that leads to destruction,
And to choose the narrow path that leads to life,
Making wise and deliberate choices in our journey with You.
These teachings remind us to be wise in our interactions,
To live ethically, and to commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following You.
May we always remember the importance of discernment,
The value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE/THE GOLDEN RULE/THE NARROW GATE
Matthew 7:6-12 / 13-14
Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel | Matthew 7:6, 12-14
6 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. 12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “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. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
Background:
Matthew 7:6, 12-14 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that outline the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Here’s a brief background on these specific verses:
Matthew 7:6. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse emphasizes discernment in sharing spiritual truths. Jesus advises His followers to be wise about whom they share the sacred teachings of the Kingdom with, as not everyone will appreciate or respect them1. The imagery of dogs and pigs represents those who are hostile or indifferent to the gospel.
Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the ethical teachings of the Old Testament. Jesus teaches that treating others with the same respect and kindness we desire fulfills the essence of God’s commandments2. This principle is foundational to Christian ethics and interpersonal relationships.
Matthew 7:13-14. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
These verses highlight the difficulty and commitment required to follow Jesus. The narrow gate symbolizes the challenging path of discipleship, which contrasts with the easier, more popular path leading to spiritual ruin2. Jesus calls His followers to choose the path of righteousness, even though it may be less traveled.
These teachings encourage believers to exercise wisdom, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ.
Learning Lessons:
Matthew 7:6, 12-14 offers profound lessons for believers, emphasizing discernment, ethical living, and the commitment required to follow Jesus. Here are some key lessons from these verses:
Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Lesson: Discernment in Sharing Spiritual Truths. Wisdom in Evangelism: This verse teaches the importance of being discerning about sharing the gospel. Not everyone is ready or willing to receive spiritual truths, and sharing them indiscriminately can lead to rejection or hostility.
Respect for Sacred Things: It underscores the value of sacred teachings and the need to protect them from being disrespected or misused.
Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Lesson: The Golden Rule. Ethical Living: This principle encourages treating others with the same kindness and respect we desire. It is a call to proactive goodness, not just avoiding harm. Foundation of Relationships: It serves as a foundational guideline for building healthy, respectful, and loving relationships.
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Lesson: Commitment to the Path of Righteousness. Choosing the Right Path: These verses highlight the difficulty of the Christian journey. The narrow gate represents the challenging path of discipleship, requiring commitment and perseverance. Awareness of Consequences: It contrasts the ease of following the broad path, which leads to destruction, with the narrow path that leads to life, emphasizing the importance of making wise, deliberate choices.
These teachings collectively encourage believers to be wise in their interactions, live ethically, and commit to the challenging yet rewarding path of following Christ. They remind us of the importance of discernment, the value of ethical behavior, and the necessity of dedication in our spiritual journey.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot