Readings:
Deuteronomy 4: 1, 5-9
Matthew 5: 17-19
Reflection:
In the reading from Deuteronomy, we are encouraged to make our own the commandments handed down to us as our inherited wisdom, which we, in turn, hand on to others. In the Gospel, Jesus is affirming this too as he declares that he has not come to destroy but to fulfil the law and the Prophets. Jesus wants us to see the law in a new light so that it speaks to the reality of our times.
We live in a time when there is much scepticism about the values and morals based on the ten commandments, which are essentially meant to guide our care of one another and the whole community of life.
Jesus is clear, he has come to renew the tradition, not replace it. We are always in need of renewal; the new wine of the Holy Spirit will require new wineskins. Presently, we as a Church are talking about synodality, we are being challenged to find new ways of walking together, of being community, that will bring the Gospel of love of God and neighbour alive in our times. We are always being urged towards new horizons, yet we are often resistant!
As people living in a divided world and a divided society, we have a choice to make. Will we stand with those who are oppressed for their faith, their race or their gender? Will we take a risk for justice or opt for a safe corner? We always have the opportunity to demonstrate the values of the Gospel in how we respond in any given situation and so we need to pray for the wisdom to be faithful disciples. That wisdom will help us to find new images and metaphors with which to share the Gospel in our times.
Sr. Brigid Murphy CP, Sisters of the Cross & Passion, Melbourne