Matthew 5:17-20: Teaching on the Law
Saturday, April 6, 2019
We might notice that the teaching on the Law finds its place among other teachings: the new Law of Love expressed in the Beatitudes, being salt and light, teachings on anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation and love of enemies. In Chapter 6 we find teachings on alms giving, prayer, fasting, treasure and our dependence on God. Chapter 7 reveals more teachings on casting pearls before swine, expecting answers to prayers, judging others, the Golden Rule, the Narrow Gate, false prophets and true disciples, and finally . . . where and how to build a foundation that lasts. These 3 chapters are an exact and simple road map to find our way when we are lost. Today we focus on a portion but if there is time in our schedule to read through these chapters, we will find that we will have made an excellent investment for ourselves. We will have made another payment into our real retirement plan . . . our plan to live in the house the Father has built for us.
My friend Lucy gave me a book for Easter several years ago. I have read it many times, and passed on copies to friends. Because I often have grandchildren fluttering under my wings during a holiday, I find it more important than ever to remind myself that I need to live in the second half of life if I hope to impart any wisdom to those who watch what I do more than what I say. Perhaps on this Friday we might find time to rest in Rohr’s message that we must do more than build a container for life.
And Jesus says . . . I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
For a Richard Rohr reflection on the two halves of life, visit: https://cac.org/two-halves-life-2015-10-12/
If you are looking for more information on a Jungian approach to finding meaning in the second half of life, go to: http://www.psychceu.com/hollis/findingmeaning.asp
If you are looking for something that will lead you to investigate how you live God’s Law of Love, you will find a simple study guide to reflect on Rohr’s ideas in FALLING UPWARD at: http://www.cacradicalgrace.org/programs/pastwebcasts/wc-fallingupward
To reflect on the narrow gates in your own life and how to grow from them, go The Narrow Gate page on this blog.
Adapted from a reflection posted on April 5, 2012.
Images from: http://www.psychceu.com/hollis/findingmeaning.asp
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