His Word Is the Truth that Sets Us Free
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!”Ps. 119
Jesus says clearly: “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them.” God does not change His mind or lower His demands; rather, He reveals to us the deepest meaning of His will. The Law is not a burden, but a path to life; and Jesus wants us to live it freely, not as a merely external observance, but moved by love and trust in Him.
For Jesus, it is not enough to fulfill the commandments outwardly. True Christian righteousness goes beyond appearances. “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” The Lord calls us to a living, coherent, sincere faith that transforms the mind and the heart, not just outward behavior.
When Jesus speaks of the commandment “you shall not kill,” He reveals something very deep: hatred, resentment, and contempt also destroy life. A hurtful word, a harsh judgment, an offense kept in the heart can kill communion between brothers and sisters. That is why Jesus insists: before presenting yourself before God, be reconciled with your brother. There can be no true prayer without love for one’s neighbor.
Then Jesus refers to adultery and teaches us that sin does not begin only in the act, but in the heart that consents to evil. The impure look, disordered desire, and interior infidelity also break the covenant of love. Jesus does not condemn, but calls us to a deep conversion, to guard our senses and our heart so as to love with purity and fidelity.
When speaking about divorce, Jesus defends the dignity of marriage. He reminds us that true love is not something temporary or disposable, but a faithful and responsible self-giving. God wants marriage to be a sign of His faithful and enduring love for His people.
Finally, Jesus invites us to a life of truth and simplicity: “Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no.” The Christian must be a trustworthy person, whose word has value, without deceit or double intentions. Truth is lived out daily through coherence.
Throughout this passage, Jesus teaches us that holiness does not consist only in avoiding sin, but in allowing the love of God to transform our attitudes, words, and decisions. The Law is fully fulfilled when the heart is guided by love.
To follow Jesus is to allow Him to purify our inner life, heal our relationships, and make us live as children of God. This is the liberating path of the Gospel.
Readings of the Week
Sunday: Sir 15:15-20/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33 -34/1 Cor 2:6-10/Mt 5:17-37 or 5:20- 22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37
Monday: Jas 1:1-11/Ps 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76/Mk 8:11-13
Tuesday: Jas 1:12-18/Ps 94:12-13a, 14-15, 18-19/Mk 8:14-21
Wednesday: J1 2:12-18/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17/2 Cor 5:20-6:2/Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Thursday: Dt 30:15-20/Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6/Lk 9:22-25
Friday: Is 58:1-9a/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19/Mt 9:14-15
Saturday: Is 58:9b-14/Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/Lk 5:27-32
Next Sunday: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7/Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17/Rom 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19/Mt 4:1-11
Celebrations of the Week
Sunday: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday: Presidents’ Day
Tuesday: The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
Wednesday: Ash Wednesday
Saturday: St. Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Next Sunday: 1st Sunday of Lent
