You Have Heard it Said — But I Say to You

This meditation is based on a passage for February 23, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Matthew 5:21-26

Reflection and Question: There is good reason to see The Sermon on the Mount as the establishment of the Law according to Jesus’ understanding of it. This passage is one section of Jesus’ commentary on some of the Ten Commandments. In each case Jesus applies the law in a broad and strict fashion. Not only shall you not murder, you shall not even be angry at or criticize another person. If someone accuses you, it is your responsibility to reach out toward reconciliation with that person. Living by Jesus’ sense of the law is a difficult challenge. When have you fallen short of Jesus’ teachings?

Prayer: Jesus, our Lord, You came at the Lawgiver, showing us how we are to be in this world as the children of God. Few of us have murdered, but all of us have felt anger or have lashed out to insult another. Turn us back to Your way, we pray. Amen.