Humbly, let us observe God’s Commandment

Readings: 1^st: Dt 4:1.5-9; Ps: 147:12-13.15-16.19-20; Gos: Mt 5:17-19

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Good evening brothers and sisters in Christ,

In the presence of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar the place of abundant blessings and grace, let us continue our Lenten reflection.

Today’s Gospel (Mt 5:17-19) teaches us how to observe the law of God in its fullness. Jesus Himself was accused of infidelity to God’s Law. So, He responded to his critics who say to him: “You are unfaithful to the Law of Moses.”

Like in the early Christian communities, today, in some of our Christian communities, there exist many different tendencies. Unfortunately, some Christians think it is not necessary to observe the laws of the Old Testament – the Ten Commandments, or even the teachings of the Church, or the laws of our country.

Some of us even consciously violate the natural law through which God governs and sustain our universe. For some, they are archaic, out dated, old fashioned, rigid and in our modern parlance, old school. All these tendencies are based on the believe that we are saved only by faith without good works, or the Law (Rom 3:21-26).

Dear brethren, the truth is that, any time we consciously violate God’s law, the consequences are always enormous. Christ knew the importance and functions of Law, so instead of abolishing or violating them, he made conscious efforts to fulfill them. Today, He wants us to do the same.

So, as we continue our journey this lent, and especially, in this perilous and dangerous times, let us reevaluate our attitude towards the commandments of God. Let us ask him to forgive us for the many times we have flagrantly disobeyed his commandments.

Peace be with You.

Maranatha!