Sunday 15th of February
“You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors; but I say this to you.”
Matthew 5:17-37
A few weeks ago, we were invited to meditate on the beatitudes, and our passage today is like another sermon on the mount. Jesus wants to help his listeners re-read the Mosaic law in light of his life and word by telling us that fulfilling the Law of Moses means going beyond legalism to look at our inner intentions and motivations. He tells us that true righteousness and holiness come from interior sincerity rather than external appearances. It requires focusing on love and avoiding falling into acting on anger.
Therefore, following the commandments is not simply about avoiding sins like murder or adultery; instead, we need to eradicate the root causes of anger, contempt, and lustful desire within the heart. Today, in our prayer, let us dig a little deeper into the motivations of our hearts and allow Jesus to lovingly bring to light areas within us that need purification, so that our living out of the Christian life is done with the totality of our being