Thursday, June 15, 2017

Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

(II Corinthians 3:15-4:1.3-6; Matthew 5:20-26)

A scholar once wrote a book criticizing the idea that Shakespeare transcends the times in which he wrote.  He demonstrated that although Shakespeare’s thoughts have a universal scope, to understand them well one has to know about his world.  Paul is saying something similar in today’s first reading. 

Paul writes that Jews read Moses’ Law (the first five books of the Bible) with their faces veiled (I.e., superficially) unless they read him through lens of Christ.  An example might be taken from today’s gospel.  It is not sufficient to follow literally the Law’s command not to kill.  Jesus insists that people care for one another.  Paul adds that when people read Moses through Christ, they actually become like Christ.

We often give up the quest to be like Christ because we may fail early and often to love.  We should not become discouraged but look for little ways to care for others.  A smile, kind words, perhaps an offer to share an apple at lunch – all make us more like Christ.