Readings
I - 1Kings. 18: 41-46
II - Mt. 5: 20-26
IN GOD, LOVE ALL
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that the righteousness of his disciples should exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees so as to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. According to their teaching the murderers were liable to judgment but according to Jesus even the ones who get angry on their neighbour or even use terms such as “fool” shall be liable to judgment. Jesus topsy turvy the teaching of the Scribes and the Pharisees saying, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” - a teaching that supersedes all teachings!
The teaching invites us to be delicate in all our dealings towards the other. This is possible only if there is basically love in our hearts. A genuine love that cares only for the good and the benefit of the other. A benevolent love that flows from our love for God. Our love for God should drive us to be compassionate and loving towards our neighbour. If so, we are Christians modelled after the magnanimous heart of our Master, Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus help me to love you in our neighbours”.
