HE HAS GIVEN NO ONE PERMISSION TO SIN

VI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 5:17-37

Nowadays, it is common to hear some people say, “God made me like this.” So, there is nothing wrong with me, and people must accept me as I am. Thus, my flaws become virtues, and I feel proud of them. We justify ourselves and blame God for our failures. The first reading, taken from the book of Sirach, gives a clear answer to that claim: 

“He never commanded anyone to be godless,

  he has given no one permission to sin.” 

Indeed, “If you wish, you can keep the commandments, to behave faithfully is within your power.” There are two ways set before us: one leads to life and the other to death. “Man has life and death before him; whichever a man likes better will be given him.” (Sir 15:16-21).

We must accept responsibility for our actions. Nobody else is answerable for what we do but us. Whenever we deviate from the right path, we must recognise it and ask for forgiveness, entrusting ourselves to God’s grace and mercy.

In this regard, let us pray with Psalm 119:

They are happy whose life is blameless,

  who follow God’s law!

They are happy who do his will,

  seeking him with all their hearts.

They are happy who follow God’s law!

You have laid down your precepts

  to be obeyed with care.

May my footsteps be firm

  to obey your statutes.

In the Gospel, Jesus advises us to stay away from the scribes and Pharisees. They are very demanding and rigorous in their teachings about the Law, but they ignore the spirit of the same Law. They do everything to be recognised as just and holy, easily finding excuses for themselves. Jesus is concerned with the spirit of the Law, and he makes it clear that the sinful actions begin in our hearts.

And Jesus addressed four areas of human life where people easily find excuses to discard their sense of guilt and the need for repentance and conversion. Relationships among people must be based on respect for life and dignity, and whenever one breaks the bond of communion, they must ask for forgiveness and reconcile. A serious and committed relationship with God implies a serious and committed relationship with others.

Then, Jesus addresses the relationship between men and women, a relationship that must be lived in love sealed in marriage. Adultery destroys marriage, and it is sinful. And everything that leads to adultery falls into the same category. About marriage, Jesus makes it clear that divorce is not in God’s plans. The couple is called to be a sign in the family and in society of God’s committed and faithful love.

Finally, according to Jesus, we must not swear. Oaths are proof that we are neither sincere nor truthful. Thus, we are not trustworthy before God and before society. “All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”