Tami 2026 Mt 5:17-37 link of old and new testament through Christ (2/15/26 Childrens Liturgy)



Everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.
5:23“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
5:24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; 

How I struggle with carrying out what is truly asked of me by God!
I recently came across a term called "rejection sensitivity". This spoke to me, as since little, I find how easily I could get upset by things not going my way. My confidence low, if another hurt me, I would quickly hold a grudge unless things were clearly reconciled at a later point. 
To this day, I remain that sinner who has had difficulty putting into practice that of forgiveness. Most commonly, I can't even recall the reason I have felt offended, but there is something inside me that makes it hard to actively put myself "out there" and say "let bygones be bygones". I am also a coward if anything. If I make a mistake, to then put myself out there? It's so much easier to just shy away and hide in a corner for as long as I need.
Currently, I love to read scripture. Especially now as a parent I know I need to model virtues instead of being a hypocrite. However, putting the teachings into action is so difficult! I've read that St Augustine believed true prayer should lead to action and that, by finding specific measurable actions we can take, we commit to living out our faith in Christ. I am still working on identifying a clear resolution for how to better live out the Sermon on the Mount but am open to any and all suggestions.

I sincerely ask for prayers and God's help in being able not only to hear God's word, but live out Jesus' teachings in my daily life. 

Lord, radicalize who I am into a new spirit, a new life where I let go of grudges and bitterness. Let my excess sensitivity be replaced by full confidence in Your love above all else.
Help me be faithful to my loved ones, knowing that nothing can break the immortal bond that God Himself has established.
Help me to seek forgiveness from the family, friends, and strangers I have wronged.



Identify one small, concrete step you can take to live out Jesus' teachings more fully in your life. This could be an action to take, a habit to change, or a new way of thinking.


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 feb fulfilment of law Mt 5:17-37 link of old and new testament through Christ

reconciling with brother / spouse

hypocrisy

Father Mike explained this as raising the stakes.


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From Saintlywhispers.com: AI: 

"Pay attention to the specific examples Jesus gives regarding anger, reconciliation, lust, divorce, and oaths. Notice any phrases or ideas that particularly resonate with you or challenge you.

Reflection Questions:

  • Which of Jesus' teachings in this passage is most challenging for you to accept or live out?
  • What does it mean to you that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it?

Reflect

Consider how Jesus' teachings in this passage apply to your own life. Reflect on your own experiences with anger, reconciliation, lust, relationships, and honesty. Where do you see yourself falling short of Jesus' call to a higher righteousness? Remember Augustine's prayer: 'Noverim me, noverim Te' (May I know myself, may I know You).

Reflection Questions:

  • In what areas of your life do you struggle to live up to Jesus' teachings in this passage?
  • How does Jesus' call to a higher righteousness challenge your understanding of morality and ethics?

Context:

Augustinian spirituality emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge as a path to knowing God. Honest self-reflection allows us to see our need for God's grace and guidance.

Tips:

  • Be honest with yourself, even if it's uncomfortable.
  • Don't judge yourself harshly, but rather approach your reflection with compassion and a desire to grow.

Augustine's 'Confessions' model a deeply personal and intimate dialogue with God. Prayer is not just about reciting words, but about opening our hearts to God's presence and guidance.

Tips:

  • Speak to God as you would to a trusted friend.

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identify one small, concrete step you can take to live out Jesus' teachings more fully in your life. This could be an action to take, a habit to change, or a new way of thinking. Make a firm resolution to take that step.

Reflection Questions:

  • What specific action can you take this week to address a struggle you identified in your reflection?
  • How can you be more mindful of Jesus' teachings in your daily interactions with others?

Context:

Augustine believed that true prayer should lead to action. By making a specific resolution, we commit to living out our faith in a tangible way.

Tips:

  • Choose a resolution that is realistic and achievable.
  • Write down your resolution and review it regularly."

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