Gospel – Matthew 5:20-37 (selected verses)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you,
whoever is angry with brother
will be liable to judgment.
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall not commit adultery.
But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
Do not take a false oath,
but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all.
Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’
Anything more is from the evil one.”
Reflection on the Gospel
Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
“It was said to your ancestors.”
The righteousness Jesus teaches has been handed down from generation to generation.
The way to respect people does not change.
How many times do teachers say to their students, “Didn’t anyone teach you…” and then we add some particular behavior.
Do I follow the traditions that were handed on to me?
Do I respect others the way I want to be respected?
Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.