Explication
Every day
Biblical commentaries
Under the guise of “do not do this, do not do that”, this extract from the Sermon on the Mount brings together three different sentences but to be held together. The first maxim enjoins not giving to dogs what is sacred. Enough to offend certain sensibilities for whom dogs are entitled to everything. But we are also surprised to see the return of the sacred/profane distinction that Jesus abolishes elsewhere: here, he makes clear the need to ensure respect for his Word.
Then comes the statement of the “Golden Rule”, known to religions in its negative form (“Do not do to others…”). By formulating it positively, Jesus takes us to the next level: not doing evil is not enough, we must do good. Give and render service without calculation, help people in need, behave with respect and kindness, patience and generosity, be an architect of reconciliation and peace. Charity, the distinctive mark of Christ’s disciples (cf. Jn 13:35), is demanding.
We then understand the call to enter through the narrow door. It is difficult to give up the riches of the world to love and serve those most in need, it is sometimes painful to silence our interest in order to value others, difficult to give up selfish comfort. But taking up the Jewish theme of “two paths”, Jesus invites us to choose the narrow path of life, always staying on the course of eternal happiness where it leads us.
Other readings: 2 Kings 19, 9b-11.14-21.31-35a.36; Ps 47 (48)
