Readings:
Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9
Matthew 5:17-19
Reflection:
There is an episode early in the book The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which is set in Afghanistan, where the main character, Amir, is speaking to his dad (Baba). Amir describes what he has been learning from the village Mullah (Islamic teacher). His Baba says that he thinks that Amir is confusing what he is learning at school with actual education. The Mullah has been instructing about the finer details of Islam but Baba, while he sips his whiskey (alcohol is prohibited in Islam) considers that there is only one sin and that is theft. Any other sin is a variation of theft.
Today’s readings have Moses preparing the people to receive the commandments and Jesus saying that he has not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfil them. He is the culmination of the self-revelation of God through the scriptures. Both readings point to the importance of right relationship with God and with others to experience life to the full in this life and the next.
The Prophets encouraged people back into right relationship with God and each other. The relationship was broken when people ‘stole’. They made idols and took the worship and respect that was due to God, or they ignored the needs of the widows, orphans and strangers and took from them and from God.
Where today might we be guilty of theft or encouraging others to steal in the way we treat our relationship with God and with each other? What do we prioritise above our relationships with God and our commitment to care for others?
Alison Gore is a parishioner at St Paul of the Cross, Glen Osmond. She works in education and formation.