12 February, 2023 | Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Gospel : MT 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses

that of the scribes and Pharisees,

you will not enter 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.

"You have heard that it was said,

You shall not commit adultery.

But I say to you,

everyone who looks at a woman with lust

has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

"Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,

Do not take a false oath,

but make good to the Lord all that you vow.

But I say to you, do not swear at all.

Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,'and your 'No' mean 'No.'

Anything more is from the evil one."

Reflection: 

The Pharisees were known to be  critics of Jesus. They looked for small lapses in his ways in the hope that they will find something to discredit Him. They argued a lot that resulted to nothing but only to show their arrogance and contempt.  Jesus warns them about the danger of thoughts of impurity, adultery, divorce or making false oaths or pledges.  He ends with these words: “Say ‘Yes’ when you mean “yes” and ‘no’ when you mean “no.”  Anything else is from the evil one. Jesus sets the bar high for his disciples and all who would call themselves Christians — not just to follow rules and regulations, but to live their lives according to the Spirit - both externally and internally. We must carefully interpret the inspiration of the law that God breathed into the Old Testament.

Activity: 

Jesus is very clear about what we are not to do!  Are you open to the Word of God anddo you  meditate on it daily? Take a moment and ask yourself: how often do I speak words that are neither just nor appropriate?  

Read and Reflect:

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