do so to them

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8 Matthew 7:7-12

Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

When we feel most helpless and most vulnerable we really want to be able to depend on someone. God promises that he will be there with us and get is through. We can and must also care for each other and be there for each other. Now, God can help, but it is for our benefit to be there for each other. The Golden Rule, as it is called, is not something that is self serving. It sounds like it might be, but it does not say that we must do to each other as they have done to us. That would be a bad twist on the scripture. The purpose is to build community and to help us to know God. If we find it in our selves to be willing to go the extra mile for others we may begin to know the nature of God a little better. And we may come to know that he is there with us in our troubles.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always seek to do to others as I would like them to do for me. Help me as well to know that you are there with me in times of trouble as well as in times that are good.

Amen