Fulfilling the Laws and the Prophets: the Path of Liberation and Peace with Jesus.” Matthew 5:20-26

 

In this Gospel, we are still with Jesus and his disciples on the mountain. Jesus introduces a new topic in his message: the fulfillment of the Law. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Today, Jesus is teaching us the meaning of this statement and how the law is and has to be accomplished. Let us remember that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on the mountain. Jesus, as the new Moses, gives his teaching on a mountain. He says: “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 his brother will be liable to judgment…”

Hearing this, one could exclaim, “Oh, many of us are liable to judgment.” Who among us has not, at one time, gotten angry with his brother or even with someone not close to us? So, what exactly does Christ Jesus want us to understand in his teaching?

I would suggest that Jesus wants us to look at the root of problems in human relations. He makes an outstanding connection between anger and murder. A small sin can lead to a greater one. Where do anger, rage, bitterness, resentment, and other similar acts start? They all begin in the heart. (Jesus will return to this teaching in Matthew 15:19.)

When anger, resentment, and other evil thoughts are left unchecked and uncontrolled, they can lead us to more serious sins. Let us remember the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-16: “…The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.'” God warned Cain, but he refused to listen; he refused to rule over sin, to conquer the anger within him. This was the beginning of a failed fraternity.

Often, before we commit sins, especially grave ones, God warns us through the “inner voice,” the voice of conscience. In our world today, this is one of the areas where the devil is fighting seriously to eradicate the sense of sin and guilt. Thus, we become so busy with so many things that little or no time is given to meditate on the Word of God and see how it enlightens our life.  The consequence is self-righteousness and relativism.

In the letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul says: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-32) In other words, we should try to reconcile with ourselves and others as soon as possible, before it becomes too late.

Again, Christ says: “Whoever says to his brother 'Raqa' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says 'You fool' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.” Raqa is an Aramaic term meaning “empty-headed” or “worthless.” It is similar to a curse that calls into question a person's mental capacity. For Jesus, this is an example of an angry outburst of name-calling. When anger leads us to insulting others, such sin can give birth to a more grievous sin like murder. Unkind words can wound the soul so deeply that, if not healed, can hatch and lead to another evil like vengeance. The pain is even worse when the hurt is caused by a loved one, a relative, a friend, etc.

The end of the Gospel tells us that reconciliation with one another is more important than the offerings we bring to God. Words are powerful; they can uplift others but also harm and destroy others. That is why Jesus asks us to be reconciled with our brother or sister before presenting our offering to God. If in any way the union of love with those around me has been wounded, Jesus is saying that I have to repair it by seeking reconciliation. So let us hold no grudges against anyone.

If I love as Jesus asked me to do, I will be the first to seek reconciliation even if I am the one offended. As St. Paul said, “But God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

We know that Christ’s teaching in Matthew 5 is quite challenging, yet it is a way to liberation, to real life, a life of love, peace, and joy. Let us try to be kind and merciful to others. Use kind words instead of hurtful ones.

In our prayers and especially during Masses, let us bring all those who have hurt us and those whom we have hurt to God. May Jesus, the Word of eternal life, speak words of peace and love to our hearts and heal any wounded heart. Amen.