Walking with Jesus: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, Feb.12, 2023

Sirach 15:15-20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:17-37

Today's readings ask me to focus on myself and my relationships with others, beginning with those who had “charge of me” and were “forming” me as I grew up. I was asked, “Please do this job ... finish this chore … take this and do that.” In reflecting, did I tend to look at the “job,” conclude “that’s good enough,” and then rush off to resume whatever I had been doing, which was much more fun? For the most part this was a learning experience that helped me recognize parental rules and those in authority while expanding my living to be obedient, and redirecting my living for  myself to helping and caring for others. This is a good way of reflecting upon how we are encouraged to dig a little deeper by moving from what is “good enough” to the higher, more thoughtful, more mature commitment of realizing that we live in relationship with others. Has my approach been respectful toward all? Or have I continued down the path of doing what makes me happy — expecting to be humored … honored … considered … even important ... to all who come into my life?

The book of Sirach appears only in the Catholic Bible: It does not appear in the Jewish Bible or in many Protestant Bibles. At times it has been called Ecclesiasticus and has been a source for Catholics down through the ages. It was addressed to young men who were destined and groomed for positions of leadership. It is a positive book, not interested in pointing out tragic flaws or that people are bound to fail. It presupposes that people can obey laws and have the capacity to choose good and to avoid evil. People are free to follow God’s ways or a totally different path. God is not indifferent to our choices. God encourages and motivates us to make the right choices which have to do with caring for others — especially those who are in need. Sirach begins, “If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save; if you trust in God, you too shall live. … Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” [Sirach 15:15,17] Following God is the right way, as Peter learns when Jesus is explaining the Eucharist and the need to eat His flesh and drink His blood ... the point when many decided to leave Him. Jesus asks Peter, “‘Do you also want to leave?” Peter answered Him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that You are the Holy One of God.’” [John 6:67-70] In the closing verses, Sirach returns to God’s grace which is summarized in Matthew’s gospel: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’” [Matthew 19:26]

Paul is emphasizing to the Corinthians that rulers only see only the things that are going on in this passing world. They have no consideration for God, thus they show that they are spiritually immature. Those who listen and are faithful to what has been revealed through the ages realize that the Holy Spirit is leading them closer to God each moment, and to our heavenly home.

Jesus continues with His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), presenting four concrete examples of the higher and deeper relationships that are required for those following Jesus. He is showing how He is completing and fulfilling what was written in the Commandments and the Prophets:

Anger: The Commandments (Law) clearly prohibit the killing of another human being.  Jesus confirms this and pushes it further by stating that anger is a form of killing, since it easily leads to the murder of one’s name, accomplishments and reputation because of hatred, jealousy, rivalry and pride, aggressively altering the other’s life.

Adultery: There is no question here that it is wrong. Jesus again pushes it deeper by declaring that even looking at a woman lustily is a form of adultery. Shouldn’t every person have dignity and respect for a beloved creature of God, our creator? Why are they degraded?

Divorce: Jesus is well aware of how easily a man can divorce his wife, in most cases depriving her of any support and reducing her to begging in the streets. Matthew does imply that there is an exceptional clause — “unless the marriage is unlawful” — meaning that perhaps it was never a valid marriage to begin with.

Oaths: These were solemn promises, usually invoking God as a witness. Jesus is advocating an end to all forms of oath taking. His reason rests on the necessity of  integrity when dealing with other people. Men and women should value honesty and be committed to truth, which does not need oaths. In doing so, their lives are dedicated to a higher way of living: “Yes” means yes. “No” means no. This is walking as a follower of Jesus.

So I reflect on:

• Jesus tells me to “go first and be reconciled with my brother … my sister.” I must take time, looking far and wide, considering who Jesus might define as my brother … my sister.
• I reflect deeply into what offering I would like to bring to the altar: Would this bring full reconciliation?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“The implication here is that Jesus is a more an authoritative person than Moses.    The influential leaders who were unsympathetic to the person of Jesus met His saving message with hostility. They were resistant to His preaching of a kingdom that demanded a higher standard of human conduct than that called for by Moses. Jesus is proclaiming a new era.”