Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Brian Black RIP.
Reflection:
In my childhood, I would spend most of the Lenten season in my mother’s hometown of Kawit, Cavite. During those holy days, my aunt Rosie would bring me along to various religious activities such as chanting of the Lord’s Passion, Masses, Palm Sunday procession, Stations of the Cross across town barefoot, Good Friday procession, and the “Salubong” (reenactment of Jesus’ resurrection and encounter with the Virgin Mary). I have seen how my aunt conducted herself in those activities and how she explained to me what was going on, why we were doing this devotion, and how Jesus offered Himself to save us. Like any other child, I accepted what she has shown and told me. One time my cousins made fun of me calling me old fashioned. I cried to my aunt and told her I will not attend those practices anymore. She told me to ignore them, reminding me “That is your calling”. Being rooted in my aunt’s example, I continued taking part in the Holy Week celebrations as I grew up, Kawit or elsewhere. As a father now, I do my best to pass on her legacy to my daughter.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us “whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” This season is a perfect time to give thanks to those who have introduced and nurtured us in the faith. And as we give thanks, let us allow the seed that they have sown to grow in us. Let us allow it to bear fruit and to share that fruit with others.
- How valuable is Jesus’ law of love to you?
- How are you as a role model?
- What is your reaction to someone “who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so”?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Bless all those who have introduced You to us. May we bring more souls to You by living in holiness. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Offer your sacrifices today for those who guided you in the Christian faith.
(Pietro)
The Sermon on the Mount
Carl Bloch, 1890