Introduction: The Call to a Higher Bar of Living

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount with a specific shift to the teachings on the Hebrew Torah (meaning the law or commandments) which Jesus (seen as the New Moses by Matthew) seeks to uphold and perfect. In effect, Matthew’s Jesus does not overturn the Law of Moses, nor does he set his followers free from the Law. He requires his followers to go beyond the Law by doing more than the Law requires. In short, he is setting a high bar – a “righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees.” 

This Gospel passage is rooted in the historical context of Jews in the Early Church moving away from their synagogues and Hebrew teachings towards the Christian Way of Life. So, Matthew gives words of encouragement to Jewish converts by emphasizing the relationship and continuity between Jewish Law and the teachings of Jesus. Specifically, he continues to highlight that the life of Jesus is not a breakaway from past Jewish traditions, but that it is a continuation of all that was foretold by the Hebrew prophets. (In this sense, our Bible today – Old and New Testament -is really only one book.)

Do you have a favorite story in the Old Testament that means a lot to you in your Christian life?

Jesus gives several specific examples in this Gospel:The Jewish Law commanded: Do not kill. But Jesus raised the bar that we must not even get angry or use insulting words with one another. We must deeply respect the dignity and rights of each person – and reconcile with our brother or sister even in the liturgy. (The Sign of Peace at Mass is a beautiful symbol of reconciliation and peace.)

What do you say when you give the Sign of Peace?

The Law commanded: Do not commit adultery. In Jewish Law, there were very serious penalties for this – possible stoning. But again, Jesus raised the bar that not only our actions but also our basic attitudes (thoughts and desires) are paramount.  And adultery is wrong not so much because it is a sexual act outside marriage, but because it is an act of serious injustice to the innocent married partner. It is a serious breach of trust and fidelity. 

How does our media portray sexual relations?

The Law commanded: No divorce. In Jesus’ time, it was relatively easy to divorce. The husband could simply get a “certificate of divorce” for even trivial reasons. And the wife could do nothing! She had absolutely no say in the matter. This was legal, but according to Jesus it was against the dignity and the rights of the wife. It was legal, but selfish and unjust. It was legal, but also immoral. Jesus respected women. Again, another high bar!

The Law commanded: No false swearing. It was common in Jesus’ time for people to guarantee the truth of what they said by making a solemn oath before God. But Jesus’ point is that a faithful Christian does not have to swear an oath at all because he/she is a reliable and honest person.

I would invite you to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 5: 17-37.

What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenged you?

Further Questions and Reflections:

“Open my eyes,” the psalmist prays, “that I may consider the wonders of your law.”As  you ponder this Gospel, what does it mean to you to “open your eyes” to the “wonders” of God’s Law?

Jesus proclaimed a high value-standard of living. What is the “high bar” for you in living your faith?

“Whoever is angry with brother/sister will be liable to judgment.” How do you handle anger?

“Let your Yes mean Yes and your No mean No. Are you a person of your word? Can you be counted on?

‘You have heard that it was said to your ancestors.” How have your relatives and friends taught you about the faith?    




Deacon David

Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland

Published with Permission

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