Our readings this week refer to commandments. Continuing in Matthew 5, following the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes), Jesus has told us we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world to shine, and to be perfect (complete), as our Father in heaven is perfect. Now he addresses commandments. He says, "You have heard it was said..." followed by a commandment, and then says, "but I say to you..." followed by seemingly extreme demands. For example: commandment: "You shall not murder..." followed by: "if you are angry with a brother or sister, you are liable to judgment." Or, "Do not commit adultery..." followed by "whoever looks at a woman with lust has committed adultery in his heart."
What is Jesus telling us? Some call his remarks "antitheses" to the commandments, but he has told us he has come not to destroy the law, but to fulfill the law. Contrary to the apparent negative account of the Pharisees in the gospels, Jesus recognizes their piety, but tells us our righteousness must be greater than those of the scribes and Pharisees.
What is happening here? See "Intensifying the Law" by The Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano, and The Rev. Amy Oden's "Commentary on Matthew 5:21-37."
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