By Anthony Jayaraj, CSC –
Readings: Deut 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19
Hey! Soul, “I have collected materials relating to Music; is that not sufficient to become a Musician?” I asked him. He said, “Knowing won’t reward, but practicing”. I was a bit angry with him because they had a lot of instructions, rules, and practice objectives.
Sometimes the rules, policies, and regulations put us off when we focus on our wants and desires to be fulfilled.
In today’s liturgy, Moses insists on following the ordinances and statutes of God for the prosperity of Israel, the people of God. The Gospel passage, though brief in its content, demands an understanding of why we need to be part of God’s kingdom. Do rules and regulations bind us?
Certainly not; they are liberative in themselves if we understand the purpose for which they are created. They give us direction, orientation, and bring order in our ways of thinking and living.
Similarly, the word of God for us is like directives, power, life and above all God’s presence. If we are to hold it dear and follow it, we would be considered great in the sight of God and prosper in our relationship with God, neighbors, and nature. We might pronounce vows in a minute to follow the rules and regulations of the institutions, or in secular life, but it is a lifelong commitment and requires perseverance and the right attitude.
Are we ready to appreciate and live by the objectives behind the rules and regulations of every sort in our lives?
