Todays’ Gospel comes from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus announces God’s plan or desire for all of humanity. God originally revealed himself to Israel through the Law which was meant to produce a holy life, a communion with God in the Israelites. Instead, Israel (and all of us) chose to reduce their relationship with God to a mechanical observance of the Law. We always look for the way to do the minimum under whatever law. So over all in Israel, the outcome was not a holy life or a holy nation. Jesus is very clear today in pointing out that to us:
I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
This would have been shocking beyond belief to hear since the scribes and Pharisees were considered the holiest people of that time in Israel. Communion with God, holiness, or righteousness is not just following the minimum letter of the Law. As an example, Jesus cites the prohibition against murder, but he goes beyond the letter of the old law to include anger against another or calling another worthless or a fool. This has to do with what we foster and brew within our own hearts. The Sermon on the Mount shows us the heart of God and calls us to a deeper communion with the heart of God through our relationship with each other. Our ritual relationship with God and our offerings to God are tied to our willingness to live in communion with others. This is the heart of God’s desire for creation.
The heart of the law, the Word of God, is God’s heart. This time of Lent is to recenter our heart so that our heart is in communion with God’s heart through compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation. What have you been brewing in your heart lately? Take time during this season of Lent to reconcile yourself with someone.
Image: https://chopra.com/articles/why-forgiveness-is-important-for-your-health-and-well-being.