Breaking Open the Word
February 15
Introduction
The Book of Sirach was written in the early second century BC and was widely used by Jews and then Christians. Because the work contains teachings about how to live in a way that pleases God, the early church used it to teach converts how to be just, moral, and holy. This passage from Sirach is the clearest statement of the Jewish scriptures about the free will of human beings. Its point is to insist that God is not responsible for sin, which is attributed solely to human choice. In our age when people are reluctant to accept any responsibility for their sinful actions, this reading stands as a powerful reminder that we ultimately have free will. This reading is chosen in light of today’s gospel passage from the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus challenges us to obey the spirit of the law and not just the letter. Such a challenge only makes sense if we are free to choose.
In last week’s second reading, Paul seemed to claim no wisdom in his preaching at all. In this week’s reading he claims to speak wisdom, but it is very different wisdom form that of the Corinthians. Paul sees God’s wisdom as directly opposed to the wisdom of the times and that of the earthly rulers. God’s wisdom, for Paul, means God’s plan of salvation, a plan that revolved around the cross. The rulers of the age did not understand this divine wisdom. If they had understood, they would never have crucified Christ, for his crucifixion and resurrection were the way that God redeemed the world and brought an end to their age and their rule.
Gospel Explained
This passage from the Sermon on the Mount has a clear pattern that repeats four times: Jesus first recalls a commandment of the Jewish law and then, as his own teaching, insists on a more complete response to that commandment. Before the four examples, Jesus expressed his basic attitude toward Jewish law. The key point for this passage is the insistence that the righteousness of the disciples must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. The four examples that follow call for a higher standard than simple observance of the law’s commands.
The first example goes beyond the prohibition of murder to a prohibition against the anger that gives rise to violence and murder. This is followed by instruction about reconciling with our brothers and sisters, the complete opposite of responding with violence or murder.
The second issue is adultery, and Jesus again calls for avoiding the root of the sin, the lustful desire to commit adultery. This discussion of adultery leads into the third issue, that of divorce. By prohibiting divorce Jesus restores the ideals of marriage. A husband and wife should strive for mutual respect, patience, forgiveness, etc. Jesus knows marriage takes work. He wants people to take marriage seriously, both before and after they marry.
The final example concerns taking oaths. Jesus rejects not only false testimony but swearing at all. He insists that total honesty in speech would make oaths unnecessary.
Today's Theme
Today’s Theme: Go over and above
Jesus certainly believed that the Law of Moses was connected to the reign of God he came to announce. He tells his followers that he came not to abolish but to fulfill the law, meaning that his message demanded that people go beyond the letter of the law to the spirit behind it. Christian life beyond the law was more, not less, demanding than a strict keeping of each little rule of the law. Jesus promised that the spirit of the law would lead the people to the fullness of the reign of God.
Theme in our Life Today
Many people today regard their spiritual life as something separate from their everyday life. Spirituality has been reduced to simply praying, meditating, reading scripture or attending church. But this is unfortunate. Our spirituality involves our entire being. Our actions, thoughts, and feelings are linked to our spiritual life. Examine your particular traits and habits. What do they reveal about your spiritual life? What does it reveal about your relationship with God and others? A minimalist approach to life is not acceptable to Christians. A Christian may never kill another person, yet the violence of wars and street gangs begins with an insult or unresolved anger. A Christian may never commit adultery, yet shattered relationships begin with society’s refusal to talk about healthy sexuality while filling billboards and screens with exploitative sexual images. A Christian may never file for divorce, yet this reality begins with an attitude that finds it unnecessary to work at a relationship. A Christian may never swear falsely, yet perjury begins with hedging the truth, saying what another person wants to hear or remaining silent in the face of a lie. Jesus expects a great deal more than the minimum. Go over and above.
Prepare for Sunday
To Prepare for this Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word, consider the following:
1. Remember an experience when keeping “just the letter of the law” was not enough for you.
2. Relate an experience when rules and regulations began as an obstacle but became an opportunity to grow in faith.
3. Name an experience when you broke from what was expected of you.
PRAYER
Almighty God,
in whom we live and move and have our being, you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they rest in you.
Give us purity of heart and strength of purpose. Let no selfish passion keep us from knowing your will, nor weakness from doing it.
In your light we see light clearly, and in your service
may we find our perfect freedom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.