Today is the Sunday of the law of God. Today’s responsorial psalm says: they are happy, who follow God’s law.
The first reading from the book of Sirach reminds us that when we live according to the commandments of the Lord, we will live long, and when we don’t, we shorten our lives. St Paul, writing to the Corinthians in the second reading, reminds them that his teaching is not the philosophy of the time, but a more profound wisdom, beyond man’s purview, which God has revealed through the Spirit who reaches every depth. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, we can comprehend the wisdom (principles/laws) behind everything and the laws of God. That was his teaching.
The background to Matthew’s gospel is that he wrote it primarily for the Jewish converts to Christianity, who were concerned about how Jesus’ life and teachings fitted in with the Mosaic law and the prophets’ teachings. In Jesus’ address, he started by reminding them that his teaching is not an abolishment or contradiction to the law of Moses but its fulfilment. He reminded them of the tiny details of the law that they ignore, making it difficult for them to live out the law authentically.
We learned from Jesus the principles and wisdom of ending sin in its tracks. When we avoid anger or foul words, harbouring things in our hearts, judging, backbiting, lust, swearing, and lies, we can avoid many sins against God and one another.
The word of God today is just a reminder of the place of the commandments in our Christian life. Thanks to Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the Church who teaches her. We now understand that the divine law is not far-fetched but something we can easily live out by avoiding sin triggers. Let us keep praying for the grace to be perfect at practicing the law of God. God bless you.