Do to others whatever you would have them do to you!
This is the social message of the Old Testament. That is what I feel gives me joy, and I should do the same for others. It is the explanation of love in the New Testament. I need to provide enough time for my God, primarily through the needs of my neighbor. This statement opposes the egocentric behavior of everyone finding joy for themselves, minding less of its effect on others. On a bigger scale, countries defend their interests at all costs, even if it involves war.
Following the steps of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, celebrating the 159th anniversary of the gift of self, this text helps us to renew our Eucharistic spirituality. The Eucharist could be best understood through the vow of personality. This vow of Peter Julian calls us to think more of Christ (others) than what gives us pleasure. (Retreat Notes GRR 3/23/1865). It redefines love as wishing the best for the other and feeling that my joy could be shared by the other.
Let it be our prayer that we reduce self-centredness, think more of the less fortunate, and always include others who are suffering and struggling. We have special intentions for the war victims in Palestine, Congo, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia. Let us have special thoughts for the children suffering from hunger and other disasters in the Sudan and Uganda. Let us show closeness to friends who have difficulties in family and marriage. Let our proximity be felt by religious and priests. But above all, let our joy be felt by those close to us so that we may finally work at building a world founded on justice and love so that the reign of Christ may come. (Rule of Life, 102)
Let Us Pray:
Most loving Father, today, your Son asks us to show love to our brothers and sisters. Grant us, we pray, that we may learn to love just as he loved. We unite our prayers with those of Saint Peter Julian Eymard, who explained this love through the gift of self. We ask this through Christ our Lord.