Nothing Is Meant to Be Abolished but to Be Fulfilled

 

Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

“Today is the Sixth Sunday of Year A in the Church’s liturgical calendar. In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes clear the direction of life for His disciples. Here He affirms the Law and the Prophets; not even one of them is to be abolished but to be fulfilled.

This means allowing the heart to enter into the very core of the sacraments and the commandments, going beyond merely observing them outwardly. He tells them, yes, do not kill; but killing is not only the act of taking someone’s life. Harboring anger in your heart is the beginning of killing. Yes, do not commit adultery. Lustful desire begins with the eyes and is the start of adultery. Obeying the commandments requires addressing the root of sin, not merely avoiding the outward evil act. There is no commandment to commit sin, but commandments exist so that we may be good and do good. This is a good way to prepare ourselves for the upcoming season of Lent.

O God, grant us a new heart so that, purified from evil desires, we may practice justice and love what is good. Amen.”

These are the introductory remarks in this Sunday’s homily as delivered by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (formerly Propaganda Fide) of the worldwide Catholic Church, responsible for the evangelization of peoples.

“Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and He has placed all the commandments into one essential commandment… to love God and to love one’s neighbor. We may do many things and receive praise, but they will be of no benefit if they are not guided by God’s wisdom and animated by the spirit of love… Therefore, beloved, ‘May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Today the world lacks peace because we lack true love: political conflicts and wars, corruption spreading like a disease, families breaking apart, discouraged youth, selfishness that pushes the poor aside, words of hatred—online and at home. The root of all this is one: we have abandoned the law of Christ’s love. And so today Jesus calls out to us loudly: ‘Return to love, return to peace.’

Today’s readings speak with one voice: The Law of Christ is Love. Love builds justice. Love builds peace. Love builds families, nations, and the world.”

These are excerpts from this Sunday’s reflection prepared by Father Joseph Herman Luhela and published on Vatican Radio. These are just a few among many reflections that shaped this Sunday, as compiled by Mwanakwetu.

As these reflections continue within the walls of the church, the weather in the town of Songea is 21°C, with humidity at 20%, an 88% chance of rain, and winds blowing at 5 km per hour.

Mwanakwetu, Are you there? Remember:

“Nothing Is Meant to Be Abolished but to Be Fulfilled.”

I wish you a blessed day.

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