Friends, Our Mother Church today, invites us to reflect on the law of Christ. She urges us to pay attention to what she teaches us. The law of Christ is divine. However, it is not opposed to natural law. It is filled with wisdom and gives life to those who are faithful to it. It is a product of God’s love for us. God gives us the freedom to choose between good and evil. He doesn’t force us. But He wants us to choose life. His commandments are there to guide us, not to burden us. In the Gospel, Jesus says He didn’t come to get rid of the law. He came to bring it to its fullest meaning. He calls us to go deeper, to be honest, to be pure, to let go of anger, and to speak with truth. Saint Paul reminds us that God has good things planned for those who love Him. Lord, you call us to live with truth and love. Lord helps us to follow your ways, not just in words but in our hearts. Teach us to choose what is right and to turn away from anger, dishonesty, and selfishness.
Friends, in today’s first reading, God presents to us with two options, “life and death.” In other words, He gives us the freedom to choose; “If you wish, keep His commandments…Man has life and death before him, whichever he likes, will be given to him.” God created us out of his love. To guide us in life, he gave us his Law. Also, he gives us the freedom of choice. To make decisions and choices in life, he also gave us reason to guide us. Brothers and sisters, God makes it clear that whatever choice we make in life has its consequences. If we choose to obey his laws, we shall be happy. If we make the wrong choice, we shall reap its fruit. The psalmist reminds us, “They are happy who follow God’s Law.” This means that as free beings, God never forces us. He encourages us to make the right choices by obeying his law, which gives us life and happiness.
Friends, in the second reading of today, Paul refers to the law of Christ as wisdom. In other words, obeying the commands of Christ is the wisest thing to do. It is a mark of wisdom to live by the Law of Christ. Paul differentiates this wisdom from the law of Christ from that which comes from human thinking. This means that the law of Christ transcends and supersedes the words of men. The wisdom that comes from the Laws of God is divinely inspired, whereas the wisdom of men is limited. While, in the Gospel of today, Jesus goes up a mountain, just like Moses did when he received the Ten Commandments. Jesus does not just repeat the law, but he explains its deeper meaning. He shows that following God is not just about obeying rules but about having the right heart. Jesus speaks about important commandments, such as those against murder and adultery. He teaches that these laws go beyond actions. Anger can be just as harmful as violence, and impure thoughts can lead a person away from God. Jesus calls his followers to go deeper, to live with love and self-control. Jesus gives examples of how to go beyond the law. It is not enough to simply avoid murder; people must also avoid anger and hatred. It is not enough to avoid adultery; people must also have pure hearts. Rules are important, but they are not the goal. The goal is to live as children of God, treating others with kindness and honesty. When people focus only on rules, they can become judgmental. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new week ahead of you.
