First Discourse in Matthew: Get serious

“Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you. ~ Matthew 7:6

This saying of Jesus only appears in Matthew and I have to admit I was tempted to not include it. I certainly wasn't sure I could find a quote backing it up!

 There is debate even as to whether Jesus really said it or whether the gospel writer here put it in because of the notion of exclusivity of some early Jewish Christians.

 Either way, it isn't one we get in our Sunday readings and feels like such a strange metaphor.

 I really doesn't sound very Jesus-like.

 I've seen different interpretations of this text: is it about condemning empty worship? Is it about who CAN worship? (note: apparently this is the case for some, as it has often been used to withhold the sacraments for those deemed unworthy).

 Or is it about not wasting your time trying to change the mind of people who just don't give a darn?

 Dogs and pigs were totally unclean animals in Jesus' day, so the strength of these words can't be overstated. It was hyperbole to make a very strong point.

 And whether that point centered on how to worship, or whether it centered on whether to give the good news to someone who didn't want it, there's an idea here that some things are important. Something are holy. 

 Somethings are to be taken seriously.
Meditation: Reflect on your faith and the places you are being called in it to take more seriously.

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