Scripture reading: Matthew 5: 17-19

:

Jesus said to his disciples

Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.

I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot,
not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved.

Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven;
but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

Short Reflection: Fulfilling the law

All of us are men and women with a past, with the history and the scars from:
the family we have belonged to,
the nation in which we were born,
the friendships we have enjoyed.
The church of our upbringing has also left its mark on us. We have been guided by its vision and have been hurt by its imperfections.
We cannot write off the past,
And we cannot change the future.
But we can change the present and how we live it.

Jesus himself grew up and lived within a culture and a faith. He accepted the basics of the faith he inherited, practised it's goodpoints, adapted it's culture in so far as it fitted in with his faith and vision. He came to fulfil the best of religion, to convert us from its superstitions, hang-ups, obsessions and limits, and to free us from its limits, penalties and hurts.

Civil and criminal law can be very effective especially in matters of justice and injustice in a pluralistic society – but Jesus' law of love and compassion can bring us closer together and to a better vision for life and God, our loving Father.

Our faith is meant to free our spirits to soar like the eagles and thus liberate others not incarcerate them with a negative or downgrading vision of life.

Jesus said in the gospels, 'I have come to give you life and give it in abundance.'
(Adaped from Richard Rohr, Understanding the scriptures)

Story: Keep it simple

Soren Kierkegaard the philosopher met Heigel, another philosopher one day, and they stood for a chat. In the course of the conversation Kierkegaard said.

Aren't we philosophers extraordinary geniuses?
We can take the simplest concepts, and by the time we have put words on them, you can be sure most people won't have an idea what we're talking about.
I was in Copenhagen the other day, where I met another philosopher. I asked him for directions to
a street not very far away. He gave me a map of Europe!

Anyone of us could succeed in complicating today's gospel! Genius is the ability to discern the obvious but even a school-child could easily grasp the simple message of Jesus: love God, and your fellow beings. If that is not obvious enough, keep your eye on Jesus in the scriptures and how he did things and do likewise yourself. What could be simpler than that?

Recently at a Twelve Step meeting someone reminded the group of the old 'KISS' prncipal - Keep It Simple, Stupid
(Jack Mc Ardle, And that's the Gospel truth, www,columba.ie)

Todays prophet: John, the Evangelist

John had a prominent position in the Apostolic body. Peter, James, and he were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37), of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and of the Agony in Gethsemani  in closeup (Matthew 26:37).
At the Last Supper his sat next to Jesus on whose breast he leaned (Jn 13:23, 25). John liked taking liberties like that. He felt that was the kind of relationship he shared with Jesus innocent and affectionate. 
Later on we find John was the only male disciple who remained near Jesus' mother, her sister and the other pious women at the foot of the Cross on Calvary. 

Jesus entrusted Mary to the care of John after his death. John was very moved by this intimate request and took her into his home.

After the Resurrection John with Peter was the first of the disciples to hasten to the grave. John was the first disciple to believe that Christ had truly risen.
 

A gentle call to action

Recall any promises you made to people. Have you kept them? Is there anything you can do to make up for broken promises this Lent?

Undertake a simple act of generosity for someone today – a neighbour, a begger, a homeless person or someone who has suffered a bereavement recently.
Give it some after thought.

Imagine a conversation with Jesus about your good deed. Jesus was like that all the time.

 Try a little contemplation around the theme Jesus - Poetry in motion and me.

Prayer

 Lord,

Guide us as we move towards the midpoint of Lent.
Free us from sin and protect us from evil.
Strengthen us in the lenten penance we have resolved to do.
Help us to find the positives in a life of faith
Lead us in the way of truth that leads to you.

                                                          In Jesus name. Amen

Prayer image of the Day.