Gospel Reading
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."
MT 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37
Gospel Reflection
Praised be Jesus Christ!
The Second Reading for today reminds us of the difference between the wisdom of this age and God's wisdom. St. Paul characterizes the wisdom of this age as something that is passing away. However, the wisdom of God endures forever.
Much of God's wisdom the world will not understand. The wisdom of God is something that is mysterious. We see some of this mysterious wisdom in today's Gospel. Christ outlines the need for Christian love, the importance of chastity, and the need for honesty. These three characteristics are counter cultural. Instead of love, chastity, and honesty, the culture promotes selfishness, impurity, and deception.
Jesus, however, invites us to something radically different. He offers us an experience true joy through His wisdom, His ordering of life. Our invitation today is to embrace living in the way God intends so that we can experience the true joy and freedom for which we were created.
As always, know of my prayers before Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
+Bishop Schlert
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