Back to Basics

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

We find ourselves at the beginning of another football season. The media is filled with predictions of which team will win it all. Accompanying these predictions are the usual interviews with coaches and sideline personnel, most of whom will mouth the same words. "It's all about the fundamentals."

At the same time we find ourselves drawing close to the end of a baseball season. The predictions about who would find themselves in first place at the end of the season are long forgotten. While some of the races to the top of the standings are still very much in contention, there are certain teams which are obviously out of the race. Again, interviews with the coaches and managers are commonplace; and, again, many are touting the importance of the fundamentals of the game.

Today's Gospel passage from the Gospel of St. Luke can be likened to these comments. St. Luke records the fundamentals. Love of one's enemies, generosity to those who ask for favors, avoidance of judgment, are summed up in the Golden Rule. Treat others as you wish to be treated. This is the fundamental, underlying principal for those who follow Christ. Indeed, the Golden Rule has found itself in the sacred writings of every religion. The words spoken by Jesus are nothing new. It is the way the game is played.