But I say to you
Published Jun 9, 2022 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
The scribes and the Pharisees who have studied the Mosaic Law were revered in Israel in Jesus’ time. The title rabbi or “my great one” was given to them. Their interpretation of the Law was sought in different aspects of life. Their righteousness was based on their strict observance of the commandments. Jesus, however, teaches that the disciples’ righteousness should surpass that of the scribes and the Pharisees, not in the sense of adding more commandments, but seeking the “spirit” of the Law, the intent of God “from the beginning.” Here, Jesus asks for obedience “of the heart” from which volition and action flow. And the heart asks for love and respect for human beings. Anger, jealousy, and hatred must be overcome before they translate into murder. Women must not be treated as objects of lust, otherwise one would easily be led into the sin of fornication or adultery. Jesus impresses his command of love, mercy, and reconciliation as the supreme Lawgiver, even greater than Moses.
Gospel • Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “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, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
The scribes and the Pharisees who have studied the Mosaic Law were revered in Israel in Jesus’ time. The title rabbi or “my great one” was given to them. Their interpretation of the Law was sought in different aspects of life. Their righteousness was based on their strict observance of the commandments. Jesus, however, teaches that the disciples’ righteousness should surpass that of the scribes and the Pharisees, not in the sense of adding more commandments, but seeking the “spirit” of the Law, the intent of God “from the beginning.” Here, Jesus asks for obedience “of the heart” from which volition and action flow. And the heart asks for love and respect for human beings. Anger, jealousy, and hatred must be overcome before they translate into murder. Women must not be treated as objects of lust, otherwise one would easily be led into the sin of fornication or adultery. Jesus impresses his command of love, mercy, and reconciliation as the supreme Lawgiver, even greater than Moses.
Gospel • Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “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, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.