Sirach 15:15-20
Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
Matthew 5:17-37
It appears in the readings, for this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, challenge us to move beyond a “checklist” faith and toward a radical transformation of the heart.
The First Reading reminds us that God has placed before us choices. It emphasizes the gift of free will, stating that “whichever he chooses will be given to him.” (Sirach 15:17, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This isn’t just about avoiding major sins, but about actively choosing to trust God’s wisdom over the world’s shortcuts, because “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, and he knows every deed of man.” (Sirach 15:19, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).
I will touch on the Psalm for this week. It is like another song of praise asking God to be present and asking God to help understand and retain God’s word and commandments. We must continue to be diligent in our faith and understanding of scripture to fully go out and live that virtuous life, and to joyfully spread the good news of the Gospel.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul speaks of a “hidden wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 2:7, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition) that the rulers of this world cannot grasp. This wisdom is revealed through the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit “searches everything, even the depths of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). It invites us to prepare for the wonders “God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).
In the Gospel today, continuing from the beatitudes to last week’s passage about being the salt and light of the earth, Jesus declares he has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfil it. He says this in the first verse of the passage. He appears to be raising the bar. Jesus says it’s not enough to not kill; but Jesus warns that even harboring anger or calling someone a “fool” makes us liable to judgment. (Matthew 5:22, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).
He then moves the boundary of adultery from physical acts to the intentions of the heart. Jesus says, “But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).
He then speaks on oaths and holding on to integrity, instead of needing complex vows, like swearing to heaven or things of this earth, to prove truthfulness, Jesus tells us to let our “Yes” mean “Yes” and our “No” mean “No.” (Matthew 5:33-37, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). We need to simply be truthful and honest towards one another without having to go to extremes to prove ourselves to others.
So, as we approach this Lenten season, these readings, I think, serve as a call to live differently. Try to monitor your internal life as closely as your external actions. Notice where a small anger or a subtle deception might be distancing you from God’s hidden wisdom.
I will leave you with this thought for today. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)
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