Reflections on the Gospels from a Justice Perspective written for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church by members of the congregation

Sunday, February 16, 2014

16 Feb 2014: Matthew 5:21-37

If we read this Gospel lesson in isolation, we might think Jesus was determined to make his hearers feel very guilty and afraid of God’s judgment. What other reason could he have for arguing that angry words are akin to murder and lustful thoughts are like adultery?

Last week’s lesson from Matthew, which immediately precedes this one, insisted that strict adherence to the law is not enough; like lamps on a lampstand we must mirror and extend God’s love to our neighbors. This week’s lesson also seems to be addressed to people who put too much emphasis on literal obedience to the law, mistakenly believing in our own righteousness if we haven’t flagrantly violated any of the commandments. Jesus forcefully reminds us that we cannot be reconciled with God unless we are reconciled to our brothers and sisters, and that we should never think of ourselves as righteous. We have all sinned in our thoughts and words, if not also in our deeds. So we have no right to treat any of our neighbors as “sinners” who do not deserve our respectful attention and God’s love.

If we can let go of our foolish belief that God expects any of us to be perfect, we will be freed not only from the compulsion to judge our neighbors, but also from continual anxiety about our own moral standing in God’s eyes. His love and mercy extend to us all. Thanks be to God!

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