In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. In Matthew 23:3-5, Jesus says, “Do and observe all things whatsoever [the scribes and Pharisees] tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practise … All their works are performed to be seen”. What Jesus is inviting us to see is that to authentically live the commandments requires more than mere external compliance with the letter of the law. It’s also not about putting on a show so that others think we’re “holy”. Rather, it’s about the quiet, inner transformation of our hearts. The Gospel tells us it’s not enough that we avoid murder; God wants to free us from anger and wrath. It’s not enough to avoid unfaithfulness in marriage; God wants to give us hearts that are pure and free from lust. Our task is to open our hearts to the transforming power of his commandments which, if we live them, lead us to fullness of life.
In our second reading, St Paul speaks about some challenges we face when sharing the faith with others. There are those who are unable to grasp God’s wisdom, which is different from the wisdom of this age. God’s wisdom is mysterious, hidden, and can only be understood and grasped through a revelation of the Spirit. This is an important concept for us as evangelisers. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, no matter how eloquent we are at explaining something, those who are not ready to receive what we have to share will not be able to receive it. In order for others to understand the Gospel, the Spirit must open their hearts to receive it. While we are responsible to share the Gospel as well as we’re able, it is up to the person before us to respond to God’s invitation.
Accepting the Lord’s teaching in the commandments requires humility, and understanding their true meaning and depth is the result of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you true insight to live the commandments with your whole heart. Consider using these lines from this Sunday’s psalm in your prayer: “Open my eyes, that I may see the wonders of your law. Lord, teach me the way of your statutes, and I will keep them to the end. Grant me insight that I may keep your law, and observe it wholeheartedly.”
