In the gospel passage today Jesus tells the disciples that the law that was given to their ancestors is and would always be in effect, no matter what authority he uses to modify or restate the law.
The law – which clearly states correct, upright and moral standards – can never change – because it is based on truth, it is based on eternal principles; it is based on inner workings of conscience. What Jesus adds is that the fulfillment of law is found in LOVE! The law in itself cannot save; but lovingly living the law can save: lovingly living the law as Jesus taught and demonstrated most especially by his self-sacrificial death on the Cross.
If we truly spend our energies during the day trying to figure out how we can allow God to love other people using us – "living love" – then, no doubt, we will be doing and not doing what the "law" commands and prohibits. For this law of love is written in our hearts; and by our incorporation into Christ by baptism and our reception of the Gift of the Holy Spirit – we can know for certain what is lovingly lawful! We will have a desire to do these things more than anything else. Our peace will come from our willingness to help!
Moses tells the Israelites in the first reading – not to forget what their eyes have seen – and how living uprightly, living lovingly as Jesus would put it – is the best way to go!
The Lord made Israel a great nation because it believed and put lawful conduct first; the Lord can make us a great nation of too – if we take that a step further as Jesus taught and put living lovingly first!
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life!
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