From Our Pastor

02-12-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss, Pastor

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all. On this sixth Sunday of the ordinary time, the readings focus on the law and commandments.

In today’s first reading, God presents us with two options, “life and death.” In other words, He gives us the freedom to choose. 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. In order to make decision and choice in life, he also gave us reason to guide us. Hence, 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. However, if we make the wrong choice, we shall also reap its fruit. In the second reading, Paul refers to the law of Christ as wisdom. In other words, to obey the commands of Christ is the wisest thing to do. Hence, it is a mark of wisdom to live by the Law of Christ.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus, as the new lawgiver, sets forth his own position with regard to the Law given through Moses, by providing new interpretation and meaning for the old laws. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus explains the real meaning of three Mosaic laws concerning murder, adultery and divorce. The Law condemned murder. Jesus condemns anger. The Law condemned adultery. Jesus condemns even lustful looks. As Jewish Christians who had always been faithful to the Law Matthew’s community need a way to understand the difference Jesus and the kingdom he brings have made. They affirmed that God had always been at work in history through “the Law and the prophets.”

We need to obey God’s Law, appreciating its basic principles: In obeying God’s law and Church law, let us remember the two basic principles on which these laws are based, namely, the principle of reverence and the principle of respect. In the first four of the Ten Commandments, we are asked to reverence God, reverence His holy Name, reverence His holy day, and reverence our father and mother. The next six commandments instruct us to respect life, one’s personal integrity and good name, the legal system, another’s property and another’s spouse. Our obedience to these laws must be prompted by love of God and gratitude to God for His blessings.

Have a Great and Happy Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Doss