The WORD in Other Words by Fr Dionision Nellas SVD (Ghana, Africa)
Wednesday Week 10 OT, 2 Cor 3:4-11, Mt 5:17-19
Today, as we celebrate the 121st year of Philippine Independence, we pray that God may help us become God‘s law-abiding citizens so that true freedom, justice and peace be achieved.
In Jesus‘ exhortation to his disciples in today‘s Gospel, Jesus underlines the importance of following the law and the prophets.
In saying “whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus was referring not to the 613 laws which became a heavy burden to the “anawin” (the poor of Yahweh), but the Ten Commandments which he reduced into two: love of God and love of neighbor. Jesus fulfilled all of them. In his profound love for the Father, he reverently followed His will till death on the cross. In his unconditional love for humankind and all of creation. he did not hesitate to offer his life for their salvation.
As witnesses of Christ, we can fulfill his commandments by loving God and others expressed through our reverence for God and respect for our neighbors and all creation. Only then can we gradually become independent from greed, selfishness, and divisiveness. A meaningful Independence Day to all!
Éditions Verbum Bible 