During this brief period between the season of Christmas and Lent we are invited to learn from Jesus the teacher. This is the third of four consecutive Sundays when we hear passages from his Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has gone up the mountain and sat down, and his disciples have gathered around him. Let us, like them, take this time to be enlightened by his teaching.
The Scribes and Pharisees looked as if they were perfect in their behavior. They observed the letter of the law to a T. But Jesus could see deep into their heads and realized that their righteousness was only for show. We need to change our attitudes so that we have internalized God’s law. So if there is anger inside us, we are called to overcome that, so it wouldn’t lead us to say or do harmful things. Jesus teaches us that love of God and love of neighbor are the greatest commandments.
Ultimately, though, it is our choice. We talk a lot about having freedom to choose about fighting for our liberties. But the free-will that is part of our God-given human nature is the opportunity we have to choose the right thing, not license to do whatever we want. If the law of the Lord is written in our hearts, we will act with honesty, mercy, and love for our neighbor.
Today is World Marriage Day and Tuesday is Valentine’s Day. These are reminders of the special people God has given us to grow in love. We thank him for these people and friends and the mutual support and love we give one another.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob
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