Daily Readings - Sun Feb 16 2020

¹⁵He added his commandments and precepts¹⁶If you choose to keep the commandments, and if, having chosen them, you fulfill them with perpetual fidelity, they will preserve you¹⁷He has set water and fire before you. Extend your hand to whichever one you would choose¹⁸Before man is life and death, good and evil. Whichever one he chooses will be given to him¹⁹For the wisdom of God is manifold. And he is strong in power, seeing all things without ceasing²⁰The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, and he knows each one of the works of man

1 Corinthians

Chapter 2

⁶Now, we do speak wisdom among the perfect, yet truly, this is not the wisdom of this age, nor that of the leaders of this age, which shall be reduced to nothing⁷Instead, we speak of the wisdom of God in a mystery which has been hidden, which God predestined before this age for our glory⁸something that none of the leaders of this world have known. For if they had known it, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory⁹But this is just as it has been written: "The eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him.¹⁰But God has revealed these things to us through his Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God

Matthew

Chapter 5

¹⁷Do not think that I have come to loosen the law or the prophets. I have not come to loosen, but to fulfill²⁰For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven²¹You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not murder; whoever will have murdered shall be liable to judgment.²²But I say to you, that anyone who becomes angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. But whoever will have called his brother, ‘Idiot,’ shall be liable to the council. Then, whoever will have called him, ‘Worthless,’ shall be liable to the fires of Hell²³Therefore, if you offer your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you²⁴leave your gift there, before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to your brother, and then you may approach and offer your gift²⁷You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not commit adultery.²⁸But I say to you, that anyone who will have looked at a woman, so as to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart³³Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not swear falsely. For you shall repay your oaths to the Lord.³⁴But I say to you, do not swear an oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God³⁷But let your word ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ For anything beyond that is of evil

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s wisdom, the importance of moral choices, and the call to live a life of integrity and sincerity. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that God has set before us the choices of life and death, good and evil. The author emphasizes that our choices have consequences and that fidelity to God’s commandments is essential for living a virtuous life. This wisdom is not just about external actions but about the disposition of our hearts. In the second reading from Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of the hidden wisdom of God, which surpasses human understanding. This wisdom is revealed through the Spirit and is rooted in the mystery of God’s plan for our salvation. Paul contrasts this divine wisdom with the fleeting wisdom of the world, which is destined to pass away. The reading encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s plan and to trust in His providence. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the fulfillment of the law and the importance of living a life of radical righteousness. He goes beyond the external observance of the law and calls us to examine our hearts. Jesus warns against anger, lust, and false oaths, emphasizing that true righteousness must transform our inner lives. He calls us to reconciliation, sincerity, and a commitment to living according to the spirit of the law rather than just its letter. These readings remind us that our faith is not just about rules or external practices but about a profound transformation of the heart. God’s wisdom calls us to make choices that reflect His love and justice, even when it is challenging. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to live with integrity, seeking to align our actions and intentions with God’s will. May we embrace the wisdom of God, which reveals the depths of His love and mercy, and may we allow that wisdom to guide us in all we do.