February 16, 2020
6th Sunday Ordinary A
The Psalmist sings, “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.” We may see the law as a burden rather than a blessing. If we have doubts abouts living in a society with laws, all we need do is listen to the News in the evening or read the paper in the morning to learn what happens to people who break the law? There are consequences. As Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount, he tells his disciples that he has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill the law. He chides the pharisees and scribes who take pride in keeping the commandments publicly but are less concerned with the disposition of their hearts.
Jesus commands us to keep God's Law and to go deeper! In our shorter version of the Gospel, Jesus directs our attention to three commandments: You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. Do not take a false oath.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…” Jesus regards anger that build up within a person and leads to a killing as breaking the commandment. So too are hateful words.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’ but I say to you everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” We may never commit adultery, but do we hold on to feelings, thoughts and dreams that make another person the object of our desires and fantasies. What about the pornography?
“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath but make good to the Lord all that you vow’ but I say do not swear at all…let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no’.” A person may never perjure him or herself with a hand on the Bible but may be dishonest in his daily dealings and conversations.
Jesus is telling us to go deeper to understand the meaning of God’s law. We can pray with the Psalmist, “Give me discernment that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart.”
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5th Sunday Ordinary A
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7th Sunday Ordinary A
