6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
Sir 15:15-20; Ps 118
1 Cor.2:6-10; Matt. 5:17-37
HE NEVER COMMANDED ANYONE TO BE GODLESS BY HIS LAW
Every person has the tendency to justify their actions. We seem to have an explanation for everything we do and so think that it is ok. Even if we were denied a job opportunity, we would convince ourselves that we deserved but was unfairly looked over.
This attitude affects our spiritual lives also. Especially today, when it comes to the spiritual life, people seem to do what they like. This is not only in reference to the lay people but also some ‘men of God’. Is there any surprise that every now and then a new Christian sect seems to spring up, with a leader claiming to have a ‘call’ which he alone can attest to? We seem to be living at the time of the judges for “In those days, there was no king and everyone did what seemed right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6).
With the kind of personalised spirituality we practice, everyone seems to be doing what they like. We refuse to accept that there is an objective standard we must all follow and adhere to. We set standards for ourselves and live up to it. This leads us to easily explain our sins away with an excuse that makes meaning to us alone.
Sometimes the sins we get engrossed in, are because of the environment in which we grow or the company we keep.
The first reading clarifies the point that there is always an objective standard for all of us. The author of the objective moral standard is God, who has set his commandment over man. He “never commanded anyone to be godless and has given no one permission to sin” (Sirach 15:20).
Jesus in the gospel refutes any excuse to sin when he says, “you have heard that it was said…but I say to you…” (Matt. 5:21). This means that we can no longer give excuses for our sins. For example, anyone who grew up in an environment where polygamy or polyandry is practiced cannot continue to use that as an excuse for his or her infidelity. By this, Jesus gives a new perspective and standard to all, especially to his followers. His followers are to live by high moral standards.
Furthermore, Jesus tackles the root of all human actions, the heart. The heart, in Jewish anthropology is not only the seat of emotions but of decision. Therefore, whatever evil you conceive in your heart you are already guilty of it. “For as a man thinks in his heart so is he” (Prov.23:7a).
Jesus sets a high standard for his followers. What it means is that if you wish to be a Christian your lifestyle matters.
How are we going to live out this high standard set for us? Paul in Romans 12:2 says, “do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. We should not copy the ways of the world. We should search and seek the will of the Lord in all we do. We should learn to dwell our thoughts on holy and positive things that bring us dignity and glory to God. We must also seek to pray earnestly so that we will grow to know God’s will and gain the courage to do it.
May his word and the grace of the Holy Spirit be our help on our Christian journey. Amen.
By Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
