A more perfect law

This Sunday’s first reading comes from Sirach, a book written by Ben Sira, a scribe writing around 180 BCE. He encouraged his fellow Jews to be faithful to traditional Israelite law despite the influence of Hellenism. That his passage begins by exhorting his people to keep the commandments becomes a fitting introduction to the theme across all of this Sunday’s readings. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus continues his sermon on the mount, now turning his attention to Mosaic law. Jesus makes clear that he has not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. That is, he wants to make the observance of the law more perfect.  

Too often following the law can become a self-serving practice, in which one gains satisfaction and even self-justification by being a strict rule keeper. Instead, Jesus wants to make moral living intrinsic to the whole person who ultimately contributes to the flourishing of the community.  Thus, he delivers what are often referred to as four antitheses using the formula “you have heard it said . . . but I say to you.” Yet, Jesus is not forwarding some teaching opposite or antithetical to Israel’s law. Rather, what Jesus offers might be thought of as supreme theses. Though founded upon the law, his supreme theses set forth a morality that requires more than going through the motions of avoiding evil. Moral living for Jesus is cultivated by and grounded in an interiority focused upon the good of others. Thus, he says “you shall not kill . . . but I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Mt 5:21-22). The interior disposition of anger can be harmful to another in many ways even before it escalates to ending another’s life.  Even justifiable anger can lead to embittered thoughts, harsh words toward another, or severing of relationships. Thus, obedience to the commandment “you shall not kill” must be navigated by a spirit of reconciliation, compassion, and forgiveness in resolving anger.  

Again, Jesus takes up the matter of lustful thoughts one might entertain regarding another’s spouse and condemns them in conjunction with the law that forbids adultery. Though not legally constituting adultery, such ideation already discourages respectful relationships and the care for members of the community. Thus, a disposition of reverence for the human body and honor for each person must motivate compliance with this commandment.  

As he does with other teachings on law that require an interior disposition regulating outward behavior, Jesus forbids even divorce, which Jewish law allowed (Dt 24:1-4). Clearly, his vision of marriage is that of a lifelong relationship, motivated by an interiority of care, love, fidelity, and equity, as narrated at creation. Still, while Jesus allows the possibility of divorce if a marriage was deemed unlawful or where infidelity exists,  his extension of the law ultimately intends for the mutual flourishing of a couple. 

In the last of these supreme theses, Jesus extends the law on swearing false oaths.  Instead of making any dishonest statements, he urges that each one be motivated by a disposition of truthfulness.  Thus, he says simply, “Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no’” (Mt 5:37). Across these teachings Jesus shifts the focus from outward actions to one’s internal dispositions, suggesting the importance of a converted heart that mirrors a Christ-like interiority. Such a disposition not only motivates obedience to the commandments but also aligns us with the divine will. Paul tells the Corinthians and us that this great God is mysterious and hidden but gradually becomes known to those, who out of a disposition of love and care for others, follow the commandments.  

This Sunday’s responsorial psalm (119) offers a meditation on the law and how it can permeate all that we are and do. As we recite this psalmic prayer, we consider the ways “we walk” in the law” (Ps 119:1), how “we observe God’s decrees” and, thus, how that causes us “to seek him” with our “whole heart” (Ps 119:2). The Psalm also calls upon us “to be firm” in these statutes (Ps 119:5), to “keep” God’s word (Ps 119:17), to consider “the wonders” of the law (Ps 119:18) and then, finally, “to observe” God’s teaching with all our hearts (Ps 119:34).  Thus, such a holistic embodiment of law in prayer, invites the fitting response to this Sunday’s psalm response, “Blessed are they who follow the way of the LORD!”