How do we measure up?
Jesus is setting a standard today that is extremely challenging. Unless we are better than the best at keeping the law, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Often, we come away with a bad opinion of Pharisees, because they were the constant adversaries of Jesus. They were wrong in rejecting Him, but they were pretty decent people and devoted to keeping the Law. They were committed to doing righteous acts. They were good, but not perfect.
Christ’s righteousness was absolute and perfect! In trying to emulate this, Jesus gives us an example to work on: forgiving those in our lives. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is our forgiveness with God, but we must make up with our families, neighbors, and friends to be following God’s law.
During this season of Lent, are we ready to examine our lives and reconciling with our families and with God?
We pray for the strength to be the best in doing God’s work. Only then can we meet the standard set by Jesus and enter the kingdom of heaven.
