THE HEAVENLY STANDARD CANCELS THE
EARTHLY STANDARD
(Matthew 5:20-26)
Jesus gives us new teaching
today. He gives the new standard of living. He teaches us the new and true way.
He evaluates what was there before and tells us what should be. He stresses the
oughtness in a world that has set its own modus operandi et modus vivendi that
opposes the will of God.
In such a world that does not
want to hear anything about holiness, Jesus stresses the need for
righteousness. Jesus wants us to make a positive difference. He wants us to
ensure that our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees.
Thus, He proceeds to outline for us what we must do to enter the kingdom of God,
to live heavenly here on earth, to inherit everlasting life. That is our goal.
We've got some roles to play to make it come about. What are these roles?
According to the new teaching of
Jesus, we should be concerned about those little vices we practice at will
without qualms. Jesus is telling us to stop thinking that offending God is only
when we commit sins like killing. He at the same time wants us to stop thinking
that we are doing something extraordinary by offering sacrifices at the altar.
There are little things that
matter before God. In fact, before Him, they are great acts. It is the desire
of God therefore that we live in peace and harmony with each other, that we
destroy anger. We should not be insulting either in our words or actions. We
should speak kindly to people. We should reconcile with our brothers and
sisters and not keep malice with anyone. We should live in love and offer love
to people around us especially the unloved. This will be the greatest gift
acceptable to God. When we do these, then Jesus opens His arms to welcome us
and accept our worship.
In this holy season, let us stop
listening to the world but to God alone. You have heard how it was but let's
consider how Jesus wants it. What is the world telling you? What is the social
media telling you? What are your bad friends suggesting to you? What is your
ego saying to you? How has it been in
your life? Do you care about how God wants it? Read, listen and meditate on the
word of God telling you what God wants from you. You will be glad you obeyed
the voice from above.
LET US PRAY
Thank You Lord God for leading us
out of how it was and exposing to us how you want it to be. Give us the grace
to live our lives based on what you want for us and not what the world wants
for us. Grant that we may live authentic life of holiness. May we be reconciled
to you and to one another so that our worship and sacrifices as well as our Lenten
observance may win favour in Your sight this year through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Friday (First Week
of Lent)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Image from: Daily Bible Reading Devotional [Luke 20:1-8] December 15, 2017 – Dust Off The Bible
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