Gospel Reading: Mt 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
REFLECTION
Not the smallest letter… will pass from the law
Jesus teaches the importance of the Word of God enshrined in the Old Testament. Since its compilation, the Hebrew Bible has been the guiding light for the Israelite people in knowing the will of God. The law and the prophets refer to the Torah and Nebiim, the first two parts; the third part, not mentioned, is the Ketubim or the Writings.
Very important among the Jews is written tradition that records what has been handed down and presents the official stand and the stories that believers should reflect upon.
Jesus clarifies his role as the Messiah. He comes not to abolish but to fulfill the written Word of God. We must pay attention to the word “fulfill” (plero in Greek), which also means to complete.
Jesus’ mission is to fulfill or to bring to completion the Word of God, to its smallest details. Jesus does not intend to set the law and the prophets aside or replace them. He commends those who take his teachings seriously on the Old Testament and his new teachings and interpretations.
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Do you listen to the Word of God? Do you prepare for Mass by reading beforehand the passages for the day?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
