A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
The readings this weekend lead us to reflect on the wisdom of God. In the creation story, our first parents participated in God’s image and likeness in fullness. But today, we carry only the shades of His image and likeness because of Original Sin. As a result, with our limited human intellect and will, we try to seek God’s wisdom.
What is wisdom? When we drive, we stop at red traffic lights. When the light turns green, we try to move but if a pedestrian or biker tries to cross the traffic, we pause for the person and let them cross, even though we have our ‘right of way’. At that moment, we made the choice to save someone’s life. We see the person’s worth of his/her life and dignity. That is wisdom.
God’s wisdom is well addressed in all three readings. Jesus is addressing three important human rights and revealing God’s wisdom with His words. The establishment of legal customs, practices or systems of any community, country or religion could never lose the essence of God’s wisdom.
Right to Life: You have heard…..You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgement. But I say to you…whoever is angry with your brother, will be liable to judgement.
Right to Respect and Dignity (of women): You have heard…You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Right to Truth: You have heard…Do not take false oath but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you do not swear at all. – An extreme action of Ego.
Any reflection, word or deed justifying laws but not the persons is against God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom brings His unconditional love (Agape). Saying YES to kindness, mercy, forgiveness, acceptance of people and resisting sins with a firm NO can only lead to holiness. The path of holiness is the way to reach God’s wisdom.
On Wednesday, February 18, we begin our Lenten Journey. May you find wisdom on your path to the cross.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Sirach 15: 15-20
- Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10
- Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37
