Homily: Thirty-first Wednesday of Ordinary Time

Thirty-first Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Rm. 13:8-10) “Love Does Not Harm”

Hillel was a Rabbi who lived at approximately the same time as Jesus did. He was born in Babylon. He later moved to Jerusalem where he provided religious leadership for several decades. He was constantly studying the scriptures and many people came to this learned man to get his guidance on how to live a religious life.

Rabbis were often asked to sum up the law so that it might be better understood. Once Hillel was asked to sum up the Law of Moses if he was standing on one foot. In other words, to do it quickly. He replied, “That which is hateful to you do not do to your neighbor.”

We recognize in this statement the Golden Rule that Jesus taught. We find this sentiment shared in many religions and by many spiritual masters. Because of this, we could say that Jesus came up with nothing new.

But would that be true? Usually, the teaching is put in a negative context. If we hate to be treated in a certain way, we are not to treat others in that way. Jesus is the one teacher who puts the saying in a positive way. We are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Love does no harm to the neighbor.

As St. Paul writes, love is the fulfillment of the law. Love is the highest motivation for acting in a moral way. What is the question that we ask whenever we have a moral choice. We ask the question, “What is the loving thing to do?” If we ask that question sincerely and follow a loving course of action, we will be imitating Jesus.

A Christian’s moral actions are different. If a person is asked why they have made a certain ethical choice, the response usually is that they are following a rule or a law. A mature Christian will say that they make choices in imitation of Jesus. Christian living is all about developing a close relationship with Jesus. If we have that type of relationship sinful actions are anathema to us.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Are there teachings common to many religions? What would such a teaching be?

2.   Do I ask what the loving thing to do would be when faced with a tough choice? How do I feel about asking such a question?

Dear Parishioner,

     The end of the year is coming fast. I will be offering directed retreats at St. Mary Monastery on Martin Luther King weekend in January. This is a silent directed retreat.

     If you would like to make this retreat, please contact Benet House in Rock Island and there will be information on their WEB site. This is a wonderful way to start the New Year. The retreat lasts from Sunday evening until Wednesday evening.

     May Our Lady of Peace intercede for us.

Fr. Mark