But I Say to You…!

Friday, February 23, 2024

Ez 18:21-28; Mt 5:20-26

Jesus raises the bar of morality for those who follow him in today’s Gospel.  

Before beginning the reflection proper, we understand that Jesus offers correctives through statements, ‘But I say to you.’ As they reflect Jesus’ authority as the Son of God, these statements help us distinguish between Jesus and the Old Testament prophets, who always began their prophecies by saying, ‘Thus says the Lord.’ While the prophets in the Old Testament could never speak on their own, it was Jesus, the Son of God, who could be self-referential.

Then, we find Jesus obliging his followers to exceed the Scribes and Pharisees in righteousness. By saying this, Jesus condemns mediocrity and lukewarmness in his followers. That we are better than others should only be revealed in our character and conduct, and our ‘right life’ becomes the ‘right medium’ to offer praise to God. 

It is by way of example that Jesus talks about not having grudges or anger that could lead to killing and making peace with our brethren before worshiping the Lord. 

Jesus means that the ‘Community of God’s People’ should be distinct by what it stands for. 

Thus, Jesus is reframing morality so that Christians may excel in love, justice, and equality in society before seeking their relationship with God. 

In Jesus’ words, the love of neighbor is the precondition for the love of God. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar