Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

The readings for today speak to us as people of the covenant and challenge us to live and teach the commandments. In St. Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth, Paul speaks from his sense that our ministry is God given. Paul draws the contrast between the ministry of death and the ministry of the Spirit. “Indeed, what was endowed with glory has come to have no glory in this respect because of the glory that surpasses it.” (2 Cor 3:6) The Mosaic Law (the original law) was glorified God through Moses. That glory shone as radiance on Moses’ face. Over time that glory faded and was overshadowed by the new covenant given to us by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. This covenant gives life and the glory endures forever. Paul’s expression “ministry of death” articulates his belief that ministry focused on the letter of the law is a ministry of condemnation. If the focus of our life’s efforts is to serve only what has been taught by the law and the prophets then our mission misses the bigger picture of why Jesus came. The Mosaic law helps us understand God’s will for us, yet our salvation comes through Jesus.

Thus in today’s gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt 5:17) The law is important for Jesus, yet it is not an end unto itself. One of Jesus’ biggest criticisms of the religious leadership during his ministry years was that their complete attention was on the law, without understanding the Spirit. The last line of today’s gospel echoes St. Paul’s idea of the ministry of the Spirit. When we live our lives as a ministry of the Spirit we “will be called the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:19b)

"Lord, as we go about our day today help us be aware of negative attitudes both in ourselves and in others. The negative energy, vibes and words we profess highlight failures and shortcomings; whereas a “ministry of righteousness will abound in much more glory.” (2 Cor 3:9b) Lord, You are a forgiving God, who calls us to be ministers of Your mercy. Throughout our day today Lord, empower us with Your Spirit so that our lives glorify our belief, “Holy is the Lord our God.” (Ps 99: 9c) Amen!"

-Michael Montgomery