Correct motive of keeping the law
ANEWLY installed bishop, who is a stickler for church rules, tells his clergy in their first meeting: “Henceforth this diocese will be ruled by Canon Law.”
* * * An old priest, who is hard of hearing leans to a young priest sitting beside him, asks, “What did he say?”
The young cleric replies within earshot, “The bishop says, ‘Henceforth this diocese will be RUINED by the Canon Law.”
* * * Laws and rules are good but when imposed in a rigid legalistic way, they do not only become burdensome but also ruin the real spirit of piety. That’s the theme of this 6th Sunday gospel.
Contrary to the onerous interpretations imposed by the Pharisees, the established religious and political leaders, Jesus went beyond the letter of the law, exposing the underlying purpose which is the MOTIVE for keeping it.
*** For instance, the scribes and Pharisees during Christ’s time were rigid in imposing the law of observing the Sabbath. Any kind of activity was forbidden. But the Lord opposed this by healing the sick and doing other good works, saying “the Sabbath was made for men and not men for the Sabbath.”
*** Moreover, the Pharisees imposed animal offerings as part of Jewish tradition, but the worshippers in the temple had to buy them only from the pharisees’ own shops, and at a much higher price. The people, especially the poor as captive market, were exploited.
There are other passages in the Scriptures in which the Lord lashed against the Pharisees for such injustices.
*** We are not any different from the scribes and Pharisees when we behave like them in observing religious laws. For instance, some Christians know the exact limits of their obligation when it comes to churchgoing, fasting, almsgiving, or committing sin. Hence, we hear them saying: “How far can I kiss my girlfriend before I sin gravely?” (A relevant question for Valentine’s Day three days from now!). “How much can I steal before I sin gravely?” *** Others ask at what part of the Mass they can be late to constitute a mortal sin. This is looking at the Mass as a mere “obligation” and the faith of one who has this attitude is legalistic and immature.
The real spirit and right motive behind Mass going is to show our dependence on a God whom we honor, respect and love.
*** Moreover, our Sunday worship of God is pleasing to him only if it overflows into love for our fellowmen. To express our love for God at Mass, but we despise, hate, cheat, or slander our neighbors, is a contradiction and certainly not the spirit of our obligation to go to Mass.
*** Indeed, these are new teachings which go beyond the letter of the law, changing one’s attitude from “What should I not do?” into “What more can I do out of love for my fellowmen?”
“Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees,” Jesus warns, “you shall not enter the kingdom of God.”
*** FAMILY TV MASS — aired on IBC 13 (channel 15 cable) at 7-8 a.m. every Sunday; also on international GMA Pinoy TV. Sponsor: ST. LOUIS COLLEGE, MARULAS, VALENZUELA CIY. Mass celebrant: Fr. Egai de Jesus.
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