Arulvakku

25.02.2021 — Essence of Moral Teachings

1st Week in Lent, Thursday – 25th February 2021 – Mt 7,7-12

Essence of Moral Teachings

Jesus summarizes the essence of Biblical ethics in the maxim, “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you”. This saying by Jesus is the Law of Moses and the writings of the Prophets of Israel, which exposes the righteousness demanded by the OT.  Similar teachings are found in other Jewish literature and the Torah offers a similar command, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev 19,18). A negative form of this saying is found in the book of Tobit, “What you hate, do not do to anyone” (Tob 4,15). The way to test whether an action is beneficial to others is whether we would want to receive it ourselves. The person who practices this Golden Rule refuses to say or do anything that would harm himself or others. This great truth is a guiding principle that ought to govern our attitudes towards others and in every area of life. This teaching seems simple, but it offers a challenging standard for our daily choices. If our judging of others is not governed by this principle, we will become proud and critical, and our own spiritual character will degenerate. Practicing this principle releases the love of God in our lives and enables us to help others, even those who want to hurt us. If this principle were universally obeyed, it would transform all areas of international relationships, national politics, family life and church life.