Perfect Law
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.”
There were two boarders sharing a room. One wanted to sleep early because he had exams the following day. The other however wanted to play video games all night. They fought over the time when to put off the light. Until the owner put down 10 pm as the time for lights off, there was peace between the two. Rules or laws are like that. They are made to preserve peace and order for the good of everyone.
The readings of this Sunday all talk about laws. Sirach advises us: “If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you.” Sir 15:15-20 In the Responsorial Psalm we answer: “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!” Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
However, there are many kinds of laws, some were given by God like do not kill from Moses’ ten commandments and some were made by men like fasting or abstinence. The ten commandments apply to all. Regardless of belief no one has the right to hurt another. Fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday on the other hand are laws applicable only to Catholics. If a Muslim or Jew does not fast on those days, he does not sin. Laws are obviously complicated so St. Paul says “we speak of God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages and which none of the rulers of this age knew.” 1 Cor 2:6-10
In the gospel Jesus comments on the ten commandments like murder, adultery and false oaths. He says he does not abolish them but fulfills them. They are valid laws but imperfect. These laws are incomplete because they do not remove the root causes of sin. Why do some people kill? It is because of hate inside. So Jesus says avoid even anger because it is the root cause of murder. Similarly avoid lust because it is the root cause of adultery.
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