Readings: Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Ps. 119:1-2,4-5,7-8, Matthew 5:43-48
“If you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?” (Matthew 5:47)
Yesterday, Jesus told us that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, we can never enter the kingdom of heaven. What was wrong with their righteousness? It was trade-by-barter: an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (cf. Exodus 21:24). Secondly, it was selective (love your neighbour but hate your enemy). Thirdly, it was deceptive (hypocrisy). Today, Jesus invites us to be perfect like God. What does this mean?
1. Leave No Stone Unturned: Some years ago, I came across a book titled “An Enemy Called Average.” Even before I opened the book, I realised something was wrong with “being average” or “simply trying your best.” Jesus was never average. He taught us the need to “fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15). Godly perfection is doing what is right even though it appears unnecessary. According to street morality, Godly perfection is “doing too much” - that which is good but most people will not consider. For instance, would you obey the traffic light while driving home at 2 am, and it appears you are the only one on the road? “Do not even the gentiles (or tax collectors) do the same?” What more are you doing than them?
2. Do Not Pick and Choose God’s Commandments: In his address to the Israelites, Moses gives us an insight into the essence of Godly perfection: “You are to keep all his commandments so that He will set you high above all nations.” Some Christians believe that so long as they are religiously following the first five commandments, God will turn a blind eye to the remaining five or that if they obey one or two to the extreme, it will compensate for others. Some Christians know they have a problem with one of the commandments, yet instead of resisting the temptation to sin, they devise arguments to justify evil. Jesus condemned how, in the name of ‘corban’ (offerings to God), some Jews disobeyed the fourth commandment. (Cf. Matthew 7:10-11).
Today, many young people do not believe that pre-marital sex is sinful (even though you are planning to get married) or that telling a lie is an offence against God. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that as long as we disobey one commandment (be it the smallest), we disobey all others. “Until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:18-19). Godly perfection is the determination to obey God completely.
3. Love Your Enemies: In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus described Godly perfection as loving our enemies, praying for our persecutors, letting our rain (kindness) and sun (warmth) fall on our friends and foes, and greeting unfriendly persons. Godly perfection is to return blessings for curses, food items for stones, and good deeds for harsh treatment. It is remaining kind even when slapped on one cheek (deceived by others). It is easy to love someone who has never offended you, but such love is fake. To love is to forgive. Nobody is perfect; people must offend you. “Friend” and “Enemy” are the same; the difference is whether or not we choose to forgive.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God deepens my longing for perfection and teaches me to love my enemies. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 1st week of Lent. Bible Study: Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Ps. 119:1-2,4-5,7-8, Matthew 5:43-48).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu