Sunday, February 16, 2020 — Sixth Sunday of Ordinary time — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5, 17-37 — Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have revealed to the little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom!

The Law and the Prophets determine what we call the Old Testament or the Covenant between God and the Hebrew people. For Jesus, the Law and the Prophets occupy an important place because it is the expression of God's will. But false interpretations, mainly by the scribes and Pharisees, have appeared, perverting the meaning, practice and purpose of the Law and the Prophets into mere habits for the sake of appearances.

It is the Christ, God, master of the Law and fulfilment of prophecies that teaches us today the new way of living and practising what God has bequeathed to us, whether through Moses or through the Prophets so that what we do and live is right in His eyes. "This word of Christ is the expression of the fulfilment and perfection of the Law and the Prophets in Him. It is therefore no longer a question of observing the Law in the manner of man, but of God.

First, the Lack of love, the source of the anger and evil that we inflict on others, is already a way of killing that earns us condemnation in the eyes of God. Secondly, Christ introduces a new teaching with regard to respect for the sanctity and dignity of marriage: it is no longer only the act of adultery but also the desire. And finally, there is also a new teaching on respect and fidelity to the word given.

New teachings are given to us today, so that we may live the authentic love that is the essence of God's commandment. Christ gave Himself for us as an example, so let us be new beings in Him to accomplish God's will as He accomplished it, and let us always draw our strength from Him because He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life". (Jn 14,6)