Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Allan Bondoc SVD – East Timor
Wednesday 10th Week in Ordinary Time
In the olden days, it was the custom of religious communities to eat only bread and water for the six days of Holy Week. On Tuesday of that week, some visitors who had walked a long distance came to speak with the spiritual leader of the monastery. Seeing how hungry they were, he prepared a modest meal for them. Some of the younger members saw him in the kitchen cooking and were scandalized. They complained to the rector of the monastery: “Father Director has broken the rule of the community; he’s cooking food. You better have a talk with him.” But the rector smiled and answered: “Dear friends, Father Director did indeed break the commandment made by our community, but in showing hospitality to strangers, he has firmly kept the commandment of God.”
Laws are created to instill order within a community or society. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the law. He knows its importance, which is why He stresses: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).
The subsequent verses illustrate how Jesus brings the law to its fulfillment. He takes human laws and elevates them to greater heights: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder’… But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21–22). Again: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–44).
Christ exhorts us to go the extra mile — to go beyond what is expected by convention, but not to go against it. True fulfillment of the law is not rigid observance but living out its spirit: mercy, love, and compassion.
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