Jesus was opposed to the legalistic approach with which the Pharisees interpreted and used the law and commandments. But he had great respect for the law as he says at the beginning of today’s gospel (Matthew 5:17-35). He didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He comes to bring it to a deeper level. He tells us not just to avoid evil actions but to eliminate the evil thoughts in our hearts as well. We are to root deep down inside and get rid of thoughts of hatred, lust, and lying. For only clean hearts truly make it possible for the Holy Trinity to dwell within us. Of course, the best way to purify our hearts is the Sacrament of Reconciliation as Pope Francis does every 2 weeks and we priests once a month. As St. Augustine wrote, “The beginning of good work is the confession of bad work.”
God bless,
Fr. Carl
“To him who seeks only to please God and to save
his soul, the necessities will never be lacking.”
~ Thoughts of the Cure D’Ars
