First reading Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9
Keep these laws and observe them
Moses said to the people:
‘Now, Israel, take notice of the laws and customs that I teach you today, and observe them, that you may have life and may enter and take possession of the land that the Lord the God of your fathers is giving you.
‘See, as the Lord my God has commanded me, I teach you the laws and customs that you are to observe in the land you are to enter and make your own. Keep them, observe them, and they will demonstrate to the peoples your wisdom and understanding. When they come to know of all these laws they will exclaim, “No other people is as wise and prudent as this great nation.” And indeed, what great nation is there that has its gods so near as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call to him? And what great nation is there that has laws and customs to match this whole Law that I put before you today?
‘But take care what you do and be on your guard. Do not forget the things your eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart all the days of your life; rather, tell them to your children and to your children’s children.’
Responsorial Psalm 147:12-13,15-16,19-20
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
Zion, praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates
he has blessed the children within you.
He sends out his word to the earth
and swiftly runs his command.
He showers down snow white as wool,
he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.
He makes his word known to Jacob,
to Israel his laws and decrees.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his decrees.
Gospel Matthew 5:17-19
I have not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to complete them
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.’
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The Law of Love
In today’s gospel, Jesus says He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfil them. He completes the Law not by adding more rules, but by revealing its heart, that is, the Law of Love. The commandments were always meant to lead to love of God and neighbour, and Jesus shows this through His own self-giving life.
Loving with a self-giving love can be challenging because it stretches us in unexpected ways. This type of love breaks down barriers and requires humility. It calls for forgiveness, inclusion, and service, even when it feels uncomfortable. Loving like Jesus goes against our natural instincts to protect ourselves, favour those who are similar to us, or seek recognition. To say “Yes” to following Jesus means saying “Yes” to this Law of Love. It means daring to love patiently when we are irritated, forgiving when we are hurt, and giving when it costs us. We cannot do this alone. We need the grace and courage that only Christ can give.
Reflective questions:
What is stopping me from practising this Law of Love? Is it pride, fear, or resentment?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
