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