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Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine.”
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There are a few phrases in the Gospels that seem lost in translation. This may be one of them.
So, what exactly did Jesus mean?
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To the early Christians, these words had an implicit exclusiveness; an “us versus them” mentality.
Jesus makes the distinction here between what is holy versus what is unholy; between what is thrown to dogs versus what is kept; between pearls and pigs.
Christians saw themselves as the “holy” ones; the pearls; the ones who were saved. If they were to follow Christ faithfully, then they needed boundaries to protect themselves.
Associating with non-believers and giving into temptation watered down their faith.
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You and I are no different. We must work hard to nurture our faith.
What boundaries have I erected to guard my heart? How do I protect the pearl of my faith?
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“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine.”
Protect it, lest you lose it.
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Image credits: (1) Scott on Scripture, WordPress.com (2) Justice Versus Conscience (3) Theworldlyrice