[Pearls Ep 158: Preparing for Sunday.]
This Sunday’s gospel reading takes us deeper into the Sermon on the Mount – deeper into Jesus’ vision of Christian life lived to the full.
Jesus now transitions into cautionary notes about our conduct. The full passage is in the postscript, but for example, “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
That’s a challenging one. Especially in our current world where, you may have noticed, there are opportunities for anger around every corner.
But what this Sunday’s Gospel particularly highlights is the principle of the primacy of our Interior Life. The good or evil that we do in the world is precipitated by our interior – our thoughts, desires and decisions. That is, of course, precisely the mission of this apostolate – to help us grow and order our interior life so that we can go out into the world in the manner that Christ has called us to.
In this week’s Pearls of the Interior Life we look at how this passage, while challenging, is really Christ’s invitation to live a life of generosity and fulfillment. And we specifically look at five all-important words in this passage, and three ways we can meditate on them to prepare for a tremendous Lent.
Blessings on your journey with Christ-
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life
Postscript: MT 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all.
Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”