Today we hear Jesus say 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.” He explains to them a “revolutionary” concept: He takes them beyond the actual letter of the law to the spirit and basic purpose of the “law.” He goes beyond it, into the heart of any matter that He brings up.
 
Jesus states the law: “You shall not kill; whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” He then asks them to go beyond the obvious; not just you shall not kill, but you shall not be angry, you shall not name call, you shall forgive, you shall not hold grudges―but settle with others. “Kill” in this case may not be just about killing the body; but about killing someone’s spirit, someone’s hopes, someone’s dreams, someone’s ability to move on. Jesus’ “description” of “kill” encompasses more than the strict and usual definition. He gives a broad meaning that encompasses more; He challenges us as Disciples to live beyond the obvious.
 
Jesus states the law: “You shall not commit adultery.” Then he tells them you shall not lust even in your heart. He goes on, you get the picture! He states the Jewish laws in the Gospel and then he takes us past those parameters and into God-like sacredness and holiness. The thoroughness and dimension of His teaching is revolutionary and demanding.
 
In St. Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians (and us), he talks about us speaking “a wisdom to those who are mature, not a wisdom of this age…” He writes describing God’s wisdom; so different from man’s wisdom—and that if we had God’s wisdom Christ would not have been crucified.  
 
Jesus says today: “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” No wiggle room there… And it is great advice and food for thought, discernment and prayer. If you think about it, sticking to your word, your vows—your personal integrity in all you say and do—is sticking to your Baptismal promises as a Christian in all of it’s implications—this is truly a maturity of spirit (St. Paul). Sirach today tells us to stretch out our hands to choose life over death, and good over evil. You will be saved by making mature and wise choices. The psalm today says: “Give me discernment, that I may observe Your law and keep it in my heart.”
Now that’s a mature and wise petition…
Keep singing!
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Elizabeth Dyc

Today, the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the readings are filled with images of light. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that by sharing bread with the hungry and sheltering those in need, “your light shall break forth like the dawn” and “light shall rise for you in darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.”( A good argument for service if I have ever heard one!)
 
The Responsorial Psalm (#112) reiterates this idea: “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” The psalm talks about being gracious, conducting our affairs with justice, and lavishly giving to the poor. St. Paul was a light of faith to the people of Corinth. He talks about “a demonstration of Spirit and power” so that their faith would be strengthened and “rest not on human wisdom but the power of God.”
 
In the Gospel of St. Matthew Jesus says that we are the light of the world and must let our lights “shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” We are to be beacons of hope in this world for those lost in darkness, despair and desolation. We have all confronted these moments of darkness at one time or another¾even St. Paul talks today about weakness and fear and trembling! We know, however, that the light of Christ illuminates our souls, and we must be for others like a light in the darkness of our world.
 
Today (in the Gospel) we hear about light, but we also hear about salt. (Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.”) Salt was connected to purity and in ancient times was used as an offering to the gods. Salt adds flavor to things. “You are the salt of the earth” is a high compliment. Like salt we must be pure, and like light we must shine. If you are light and salt to the people around you, you are doing God’s work for the kingdom. “The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.” Be a light and be pure as salt!
Keep singing!
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Elizabeth Dyc