10th Week in Ordinary Time, St Anthony of Padua: Thursday 13th June 2019

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, contrasts the ‘blindness’ that prevent the Jews from recognising the true meaning of the law and thereby, from recognising Jesus as the Messiah. Paul gives the example from the Old Testament that whenever Moses descended from the holy mountain to speak to the people after meeting God, he had to cover his face with a veil so that the people may not be struck down by God’s glory reflected on Moses’ countenance (Ex. 34, 29-35). However, this type of glory will eventually fade. In comparison, to those who believe in Jesus, the glory of the new and eternal covenant transforms them into the image of God. It makes them children of God and gives them a spirit of freedom. Through the Spirit, all are transformed and grow in likeness to the Lord.

In the Gospel, Matthew the evangelist contrasts the ideal of holiness as taught by the scribes through the literal meaning of the scriptures, and with the radical teaching of Jesus. The followers of Jesus cannot be satisfied with just avoiding the act of murder. They have to go beyond and curb the emotion of anger that may lead to murder. In other words, anger must be taken as seriously as murder. Two examples are given to illustrate this point. Forgiveness and reconciliation must take precedence over worship or in a situation where a dispute may end up in a court. Instead of rigidly obeying laws or interpreting the scriptures literally, we must allow the Spirit of God to lead us in the way of love.

Lord, may Your Spirit lead me.