Mt 5:20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,* you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult* a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that 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 those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Moving Beyond Rules
To my five-year-old self, the world functioned by rules: Brush your teeth before bed; Never hit your brother, even if you’re mad; Always buckle your seatbelt. Add an innate sense of justice and I was always the first to tattle when the neighbor kids weren’t playing fair.
Laws help societies, and rules are useful, especially for the young who need guidance. But rules and laws tend to focus on the bare minimum and are usually framed in the negative. On their own, rules motivate people to act out of a self-centered desire to avoid punishment.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to move beyond rule-motivated morality and to adopt a positive ethic of virtuous living.
“Do not kill” becomes “Be a maker of peace and reconciliation.”
“Do not commit adultery” becomes “Practice self-discipline and prudence in the areas where you are weak.”
“Do not take a false oath” becomes “Live with such honesty and integrity that people trust you without the need for promises.”
Today’s readings help us reflect on our ethical motivations. Do I do the bare minimum for others and just follow the rules? Or am I moved by something deeper, like a desire for holiness and virtue? Is my practice of faith primarily motivated by a sense of obligation and duty? Or am I in touch with that deep yearning for the divine, which is at the heart of being human?
—Aaron Pierre, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province. He is in his final semester of studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University and is anticipating ordination to the priesthood in June.
Prayer
Loving God, every day, I seek to become closer to you, with a desire to grow in holiness. Help me to look at the law you have written in my heart, and strive to make sure that my decisions are motivated by a love of you and a love of others. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team