Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
In seminary a contrast that often seemed to be drawn was between what the Church law teaches and “the spirit of Vatican II.” It was pointed out that when people did not like the Church teachings from prior to the council, they put in place a new teaching which was attributed to the “spirit of Vatican II.” In some cases this “spirit” was a green light to ideas that went beyond the teachings of the Council. The debates between those in each camp has continued ever since the close of the Council. As we have moved away from the council there has been a greater balance in properly understanding the teachings of Vatican II and implementing the spirit of them. We might describe this as a pendulum that has moved between one and the other.
Today’s readings draw attention to the law, something that God did indeed carve into stone. Yet, these laws are not simply on a stone from millennia ago. These laws are still lived out and written on our hearts. As people of the covenant we are called to live and teach the commandments with our thoughts, actions, and words. In St. Paul’s letter to the people of Corinth, Paul speaks from his sense that 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.” The Mosaic Law 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 God’s 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, without the desire to live Gospel of love, then our mission misses the bigger picture of Jesus’ mission. The Mosaic Law helps us begin to understand God’s will for us, yet ultimately our salvation comes through Jesus and our faithful discipleship.
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 it.” 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 own lifetime was that their attention focused solely on the Law. 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.”
Good and loving God, help us to fully appreciate the law you have given us for our benefit. He us to reflect upon and remove all that prevents us from living a life that personifies the Law through the lens of the Spirit. so that one day, we may live with You, who lives and reigns with you, one God forever and ever. Amen!
Deacon Michael Montgomery