“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish, but to fulfill.”

We are human, just as the disciples were, and although we may be mature adults, there is always an opportunity to develop and deepen our understanding of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus makes it extremely clear that he has no intention of abolishing the prophets or the Jewish law. After all, Jesus was Jewish, and so were the disciples who were chosen to follow him. He wants them and us to understand that his purpose on earth is to fulfill the scriptures. Jesus was sent to earth to “show” all of us by his actions how we are to live our Christian lives.

Jesus goes to great lengths to emphasize that not even the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law. The ultimate law of God, as brought to fulfillment in Christ Jesus, is love. Instead of focusing on the negative forces in our lives, we can use all our energy to love like Jesus demonstrated. Mother Teresa exemplified how to share the love of the Holy Spirit through her daily service with compassion and selflessness to those she cared for. She was truly Eucharist for each person she touched during her life.

Popes Paul VI and John Paul II wrote in their encyclicals and said in their talks that God’s laws followed by the beatitudes (Monday’s Gospel) have their purpose to establish “a civilization of love.” A “civilization of love” – what a beautiful image.

I invite you to ponder today that the purpose of the law is for us to be aware of God’s presence in us and for us to live in that presence, in God’s trinitarian life.

Prayer:

Lord of all love, help me to be attentive to the many small ways I am called to love in your name. Help me look for the most minor opportunities to share this love and fulfill your law. Amen.