Theme: I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them.

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education

Theme: Matthew 5:17-37 I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them.

Summary: It should not surprise us that Jesus goes beyond the requirements of the laws of the Old Testament, even while saying they need to be observed. In this section of Saint Matthew’s gospel Jesus fleshes out a deeper meaning and intent of the commandments. For example when he speaks of the sin of murder, the taking of another’s life, he speaks of it as including the diminishment of a person’s life by harsh words or actions. Likewise Jesus speaks of taking the commandments beyond the thou shalt not to another level of understanding. The level that speaks of the fact that in the greatest commandment to love we are called to go far and above the stated words of the commandments and enter into the spirit of the commandments. This is true obedience.

Scripture: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23 
 
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to people long ago, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you will be subject to judgment.' But I say, even if you are angry with your someone, you are subject to judgment." He went on to say that you will face God's judgment if you call someone a bad name or curse them.

What did Jesus say we should do if we are guilty of any of these things? He said, "If you are presenting your offering to God and you remember that you have said something that hurt another person, leave your gift at the altar and go and ask forgiveness from that person. Then come back and offer your gift to God."
Before we give our offering today, perhaps we should ask ourselves a few questions. Have I been angry with someone this week? Have I had any arguments lately? Have I called someone a bad name? Have I said something about someone that wasn't true? If so, we should ask God to forgive us and we should go to the person we have hurt and ask them to forgive us. When we have done that, God will be pleased with our offering.

Heavenly Father, we would not think of committing murder, but we sometimes say things in anger that hurt other people. Help us to guard against hateful and hurtful words and forgive us as we ask those we have hurt to forgive us as well. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.   www.sermons4kids.com
 
Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us
First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20

                The Book of Sirach in the Bible was written 200 years before Jesus was born. It tells us that wisdom is respecting God and obeying God and obeying God’s plans for us.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119

                In the Psalm, the writer uses legal terms when he speaks about following God: law, decrees, precepts, and    statutes. We might think it is hard to follow all these rules, but the psalmist sees these laws as blessings and             life-giving. Jesus says in the gospel that he has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

                Saint Paul speaks of God’s wisdom as mysterious and hidden: it cannot be known by logic or reason. God      reveals his wisdom to us through the Spirit. Those who rely on worldly wisdom instead will not have eternal             life.
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

                To swear is to make a promise relying on something or someone else, and to take a false oath is to break a    promise, or to lie when we are making that promise. Because we are not perfect as God is, Jesus says that it      is better if we do not make an promises that we cannot keep.

My Promise to Jesus:  Jesus, this week I will try not to criticize others. Please help me to remain faithful to this promise!       https://us.magnificat.net/my-sunday-gospel-coloring-book-2020.html

Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. What strategies would you propose to teens who struggle with feelings of anger or lust?    www.smp.org
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
Dear Mrs. LaRue
Written by Mark Teague
ISBN: 13:978-0545315204
Pray that you will always see the commandments as friends who will guide you to live a life of goodness. Ask Jesus to help you in making all decisions and assist you in choosing the kindest of words and the most loving of actions each and every day.

Family Discussion:
Families have rules. Without rules, family life would be chaos. As a family, brainstorm a list of rules that you are all called to follow in your home in order for you all to get along together. Think about rules for play time, rules for eating, rules for how to speak to one another, rules for going out with friends, and so on. Emphasize that families follow rules as a way of showing love and respect for one another. Explain that in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about following the Law. Say:  God’s Law of love can be thought of as rules that we are to follow in order to show our love and respect for one another. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 5:17–37. Talk specifically with one another about how anger is to be dealt with in your family. Conclude by praying for the grace to overcome anger and to show respect for one another as a family by following God’s Law of love.... www.loyolapress.com