Matthew 7:6, 12-14 – Do to others what you would have them do to you
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
Reflection written by Ann Chervenak, Chair, Holy Cross Africa Ministry, traveled to Dandora 2011
During our visit to Kenya, the message of the Gospel seemed more urgent and relevant than ever. Life seemed more fragile there. I vividly remember my first impressions: inching our way through the crazy Nairobi traffic; watching people jump onto the matatu minibuses; the endless road construction; wondering how pedestrians survive as they dodge through the lanes of merging cars; the roadside stalls where residents make a modest living selling whatever they can; and our first view of the enormous garbage dump in Dandora. Despite the hardships that they face every day, the members of our sister parish are people of such impressive faith, joy and resilience. They walk the “constricted road that leads to life.” Over the last ten years, the parishioners of St. Monica have shared some of our material advantages with the people of Dandora and have received many spiritual gifts in return. Even more than our material gifts, however, they seem to appreciate the gifts of our attention, respect, prayers and friendship. By traveling across the world to visit with them, we show that their lives and struggles matter to us and offer them the same respect that we would want others to give to us.
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