The commandments, the words of the prophets, and the old laws that Jesus speaks about have their purpose. Jesus was very clear about not wanting to replace the laws, not even a single letter. Rather, Jesus seemed to be preparing his disciples to see the laws of old, the words of the prophets, and the commandments as the stepping stone for what is to come next…a new ministry of manifested love. So, maybe the laws are like unopened envelopes with delivery instructions written on them. There is a message to be revealed when opened. However, how would the anticipation for the message bear fruit if the unopened envelope were to be thrown out? How would we know what was to be revealed? There would be no context to what is to come later.

Both readings invite us to move our ministries from our head to our heart and soul, to engage in the ministry of the spirit, which gives life. We are invited to make a shift in our lives: to go beyond what fades or leaves us wanting and reach for what endures and fills us fully. However, to do this, we must honor our past and honor its place in our Christian story. We must live in our present and allow it to guide us to our future. It is from that place we will build and move forward so that we may grow in goodness and virtue.

Laws, rules, and vows are in place for a reason, but they have never shifted hearts or transformed souls. They have never made the unkind heart kind. They have never brought solace to any weary soul. They have never eliminated poverty, racism, or indifference toward mental illness. They have never healed the brokenhearted. What seems to matter or create any movement toward goodness within any individual is what we do after we acknowledge laws, rules, regulations, and vows. Do we let them propel us forward to care for others and ourselves? Do we follow through with a willingness to grow and let others grow? Do we find ourselves called to spend time with those needing a bit of love and companionship? Do we allow ourselves to search for the courage to do what is right, even without immediate gratification? Can we let go of preferred outcomes and wait for God to reveal God's self to us in new and glorious ways? I hope my reverence and observance of any laws, rules, and vows will only point me in the direction of goodness and never hinder my spirit or harden my heart.

Merciful and loving God, please help me live out your commandments for your Glory. Amen