Commandments have been in the news a lot lately. The governor of Louisiana wants to display the Ten Commandments in his state’s public school classrooms. The state legislature in Oklahoma wants them in the 5th through 12th grade classrooms. This is not a new movement in recent history. And it’s always controversial.
I understand the intent. However, … in today’s Gospel, Jesus has something to say about commandments.
The story from Matthew focuses on some religious leaders trying to “test” Jesus with a question: “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” We know from other stories that Jesus read their hypocritical intent. For indeed Jesus has a teaching about commandments. He answered their question, emphasizing that the greatest of the commandments is to love God with your whole being, and a close second is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
And then Jesus says this:” The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Perspective!
I wonder if the teachers in these states will also be asked to teach this. Or even better that Jesus modeled what he envisioned we Christ-followers are called to do: clothe the naked, have mercy for the outcast, feed the hungry, cure the sick, be peacemakers, evangelize those with “dry bones,” be childlike (the Gospel on this day I write).
I have often wondered why no one has ever suggested that Beatitudes be displayed in schools, public or private, or at least to stress Jesus’ conviction in today’s Gospel story. I did years ago and would again today teach my pupils these two great commandments and emphasize the beatitudes as the way to live the greatest of the commandments.
What do you imagine Jesus would have to say to us today?
Let Us Pray:
Jesus teaches us today how to be poor in spirit, mourn, be meek, hunger for justice, be merciful and clean of heart, and work for peace.
