About the 'little' things we think and say and do...
Reflections on the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 16, 2020): SIR 15:15-20; PS 119:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34; 1COR 2:6-10; MT 5:17-37
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
In the Gospel reading for today, we hear Christ tell His Apostles how vital it is to fulfill the Ten Commandments.
But He immediately goes on to say that is not enough because each one has its start in some seemingly smaller offence. For example, taking a false oath is prohibited. However, Jesus wants us to grasp that we need to be truthful and honest in all we do. If we say “yes” that is precisely what we must mean. If we say “no” then that is what we must mean.
Jesus asks us to examine our dealings with the people around us if we want to understand where we really stand in our relationship with Him. Our Lord wants us to realize that it is not enough to keep from killing another human being. We have to control our thoughts and feelings to prevent our anger from leading us to abusive language, gestures and, finally, violent action. “I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.… Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:22-24). The real gift that we offer God is the sacrifice of our ego, our preferences, and our plans when they come between Him and us, or between our brothers and sisters and us. When we concentrate on loving and serving our Lord and showing goodness and generosity to others, then we truly are living the way of Christ.
Suggested missionary action: Let us pause to consider the Ten Commandments in connection with our relations with God as well as with those around us. Let us ask Christ to help us live as people of faith, entrusting each moment to His care and treating others with the love and respect we desire for ourselves.