LAW IS IMPORTANT
In
Christian circles, many people talk about living according to the
guidance of the Holy Spirit. The implication, often unspoken and
unwritten, is that the Law is not important and can be ignored if one is
listening to where the Holy Spirit is leading us. On the surface, the
argument seems at least reasonable, but on closer evaluation it becomes
clear that it is dubious at best.
Consider
the situation in society if everyone is able to choose which laws they
want to follow and those they want to ignore. It would result in
unimaginable chaos. Laws work precisely because they oblige all people
to follow them. Any other permutation of following the law or ignoring
it will ultimately fail. Yes, there are good laws that should be there
and bad ones that should be eliminated.
Jesus
knows all of these when He makes the statement in today’s Gospel. When
He affirms that He is not going to change anything in the Law, He
affirms that the Law, namely the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses,
is not in need of reform. Jesus affirms that the Gospel He proclaims
through His life and ministry does not negate or remove any obligation
for us to follow the Ten Commandments. A religion, like any other
society, also requires rules and regulations in order to give it a
structure so it can endure through both the good and difficult moments
of its history.
Good
laws affirm values and principles essential to the protection of
humanity and its social structures. Any attempt to rid human society of
its laws will result in anarchy and the disintegration of that society.
As we reflect on Jesus’ words today, let us be thankful for the gift of
the Law, the guidance it provides and the vision of humanity it places
before us. It is indeed something of a marvel — 3,400 years old and
still going strong! Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: What is your attitude toward the Law? Do you recognize it as
important in guiding your own values’ formation? Do you love the Law?
Holy
Spirit, help me open my heart to the guidance of the Law so that I will
better understand its beauty and relevance to my life.
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