One of the most interesting conversations I ever had when I was a young seminarian was with a nun friend. It was like a debate about the Ten Commandments. She kind of scolded me for taking the Lord's name in vain and told me that I would never make it to heaven if I didn't stop doing it. In my defense, I explained that other people violated commandments worse than what I did. They committed adultery, stole, killed, and lied. So, I felt that taking the Lord's name in vain was a minor offense. Surely God wouldn't turn me away for such a minor infraction when others had disobeyed the gravest of His commands.
She then said something so sensible that I will never forget it. She said, "God didn't list those commandments so you can pick and choose which ones you have or don't have to follow. He never categorized them into minor or major offenses. The point of those commandments is to follow every single one. Those are His laws, and none are made to be broken."
I lost the debate that day but gained an important insight into my values — to see my flaws as inexcusable and strive for a virtuous life in every way.
The Torah for the Jews — the Law of Moses — was the most complete and precise expression of God's will that they had. In the Torah, God put into words the vision of what the people of Israel should be. For them, it was the summary of all wisdom, human and divine: the self-revelation of God, a complete and secure guide of conduct. Jesus grew to adulthood as a devout Jew living by the Law.
Fulfillment of the Law
In today's Gospel, Jesus emphasized that he didn't come to abolish the Mosaic Law but to fulfill it. Using the word "fulfill" about 15 times in Matthew's gospel, the evangelist wants to emphasize that Jesus’ purpose is to complete, perfect, round out, top off, and bring to maturity the principles and practices of the Old Testament.
His emphasis is on mercy, not legalistic particulars; far-reaching love, not destructive petty details; and positive heartfelt commitment, not external prohibitions. Jesus had come to give the Old Law all the richness the Jews believed it had. Because Jesus saw the current leaders as blind guides, He repeatedly rejected their misinterpretations of the Law and their burdensome regulations. At the same time, Jesus' Law isn't entirely new, but rather the natural development and perfection of the Old Law.
Our obedience to the laws must be motivated by the love of God and neighbor and, of course, gratitude to God for His blessings. Because the Lord calls us to more than legal compliance, he invites us to spiritual perfection.
Let us pray today: Lord, help us to realize that we may be the only book on faith, morals, and love of neighbor that some people will ever read.
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