6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Bullet Points (Matthew 5:17-37)

• Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, but he introduced a new way of thinking that was far beyond the literal requirements. He did not change the Law, but He added one important element—the element of love. When the Pharisees kept the Law, they wanted to obey God but often neglected the needs of others. Jesus demands that one’s virtue should go beyond that of the Pharisees.
• A novel teaching about KILLING. The Law clearly states, “Do not kill,” but Jesus goes further by emphasizing that we must not even harbor anger or use insulting words towards others. If we fail to show respect for our brothers and sisters in our hearts, we cannot genuinely claim to respect God. Remember, God unconditionally loves every single person. Therefore, if you are on your way to the Temple to pray and realize you have offended someone, you must reconcile with that person first. Only after that should you bring your offering to the Temple. If
• A novel teaching about ADULTERY. The Law says, “You must not commit adultery.” But Jesus says that, even if one only fantasizes about having an affair, he is already sinning because adulterous thoughts push away one’s concern and love for him or her, even for a few moments. Besides, we cannot just use another person just as an object to give us pleasure. 
• A novel teaching about DIVORCE. The Law also says, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” Divorce was legal, but according to Jesus, it was against the dignity and the rights of the wife. For Jesus, what is legal is not sufficient. It must also be good. One thing to remember: things can be legal, but they are immoral.
• A novel teaching about OATHS. In Jesus’ time, people guaranteed the truth of what they said by taking an oath before God. It was said, “Do not swear falsely! Carry out what you vow.” But Jesus says, “Do not swear at all.” Do not use God as your guarantor of what you say or promise. As followers of Christ, we are expected to be men of integrity.
• At bottom: Following Jesus, therefore, is not just a question of fulfilling the requirements of the law. It is not merely a question of what I must do according to prescribed precepts. It is, to a greater extent, a question of how much love I invest in what I do as I follow Jesus and serve my neighbors. Fulfilling the requirements of the law has less value if not motivated by love.

ONIOT, OAR