But I say to You - Matthew 5 17-37

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ asks us to reflect on the condition of our soul. He does not abolish the Law but elevates and perfects it, through asking us to review our thoughts rather than our actions. I like how Father Mike Schmitz in the Bible in a Year podcast explains this as the problem being not the sin itself but the broken heart that commits the sin. He explains that Christ wants to treat our hearts by entering in and being the remedy.

For example, while we live in a world where it is thought normal to hate those who hate us, Christ teaches we must pray for those who persecute us and give to those who want to take from us. It is first and foremost that as Christians we love and forgive one another. As sinners, we are broken, yet, If we know Christ, we will know His mercy and compassion, and share this with others. By allowing Him to reside within us, as in a tabernacle, we can boldly love. This is how Christ Himself acted, humbling himself to the point of death and subsequent rise to eternal life. How can we properly worship and accept God’s forgiveness if we do not share that mercy as well with one another?

 

Ponder:

 

Is there someone you haven’t had a good relationship with whom you can pray for?

 

Pray:


Lord, transform not just my actions, but my heart, so that I can avoid sin and love others, the same way You have loved me. Help me to be reconciled to others so that my soul can be pure and in Your presence.

 

Click to tweet:
By allowing Jesus to reside within us, as in a tabernacle, we can boldly love.  #DailyGospel

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