Friday of the First Week

Reflection

“It is no longer about being correct. It is about being connected. Being in right relationship is much, much better than just trying to be ‘right’.”  (Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ)

In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel chides the Israelites who blame their situation in exile on the sins of their forefathers. He insists that their own choices of good or evil will determine their destiny.  Likewise, our choices and actions determine our own salvation.

The Gospel reading announces an entirely new way of understanding and living God’s law. It does not suffice to obey a set of regulations literally, to follow the “letter of the law”; instead, what is needed is something far more radical and demanding: to convert our hearts and live by the spirit of the law. Most people would readily agree that killing another human being is wrong; but we kill by many small and not-so-small hurts and injustices, and we must learn to root those out from our interactions with others.  Further, we must not use our religious practice as a cover-up for broken relationships.

As children, we were given rules of behavior: “do this” and “don’t do that.” “Don’t lie,” and “help your sister.” This sufficed for awhile to keep us out of trouble and set us on the right path. But to mature and develop our own moral compass, we must comprehend why things are right or wrong, good or bad, and incorporate this conviction into our choices and actions. We are called to internalize the spirit of the law and make it foundational for our way of living as Christians. And the spirit behind all of the commandments is the law of love toward all people and, in fact, toward all of creation. If we can “incorporate” this law, making it part of our very being, it will lead us to right relationships. That is why Jesus tells us to leave our gift at the altar and reconcile first with our neighbor. He does not say “pray for them,” but go and be reconciled. Taking action to restore the connection is essential.

Prayer

O Lord, help me to learn the true spirit of Your Law and weave it into my very being. Teach me always to follow Your example connecting with others in kindness, compassion, and love.

Zsuzsanna Kádas and Richard Foote,

Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Parents ‘13

Scripture
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website