Daily Reflections - March 6,2013

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.