6th Sunday Year A
6th Sunday of the Year – Year A – The Law
We may think of the early church as a wondrous time. After all, the people had Jesus preaching to them, teaching them, walking and praying with them. But as we can see from today’s reading, it wasn’t all chocolates and roses; it wasn’t nice blue skies and green fields with people sitting in rapt adoration.
Jesus didn’t pull any punches when he preached. Yes – he did take time to phrase and pitch messages in such a way as to ensure that most people understood what he was saying, with his parables and other stories and messages. But he also laid it out straight and flat when he had to.
And so to today’s readings. Jesus very quickly took to task any notions that following him and his message was the easy way for the Jews: that in following him they could ditch the Jewish Laws and customs; the inherent rules and requirements. I think that he could see that there were some who were thinking that his was the easier of the paths; that in following him they could drop all the rules of the Jewish Law. He very quickly and clearly told them that his way required the Law and much, much more than the Law. They would have to go beyond what the Law said to them; they would have to go into the spirit of the Law and look to express in their lives, their words and their behaviours the meaning and intent behind the law. And he goes into the detail of it to make sure there is no misunderstanding.
The early church and how it lived, how it grew and how it existed are often expressed today by the five “Ws” in schools and parish study groups. They are -
Welcome – This was hugely important throughout the early church, that all are made to feel welcome. Not just the Jews but everyone, of all nationalities, all creeds, all colours – everyone. That they are welcomed and included as an equal member of that society with hospitality, greeting and welcome for who they are – an individual respected and loved in the eyes of God.
Welfare – The early Christian communities were committed to the welfare and service of human needs. They were active in seeking out the poor and downtrodden, the widow and the orphan; the unloved and alone. They were examples of love and faith in action.
Witness – The early Christians were committed to giving witness, showing witness to a God-centred way of life; to God’s unconditional love for the created world; to the life, story, vision, teaching and tradition of Jesus Christ and of those who follow the gospel values. They gave witness by how they lived their daily lives. See those Christians- see how they love one another.
Word – The early Christian communities taught and preached the Word of God, the Good News of Salvation through the Risen Christ. They lived the Word in their everyday lives; they were models, icons of Good News.
Worship – the early church was centred on worship which they delivered originally in small groups in households where they prayed and ritualised the presence of the risen Christ amongst them in the breaking of bread and in prayer, readings and psalms.
Welcome; welfare; witness; word; worship – the five Ws that governed the early church and the five messages that underpinned and over-ruled the Jewish Law. When Jesus spoke about doing more and being more than just the Law – this is what he meant: when he spoke about looking beyond the words of the Law – this is what he meant. And he didn’t mean it just for the Jews in front of him.
He was talking to us – to you and to me. He was talking to us individually. He was telling us each to look at how we practice our faith; what our faith means to us and then demanding that we each look to see where and how we are putting into practice each of these five Ws.
That is our challenge as Christians in the world today – how am I living each of these requirements of my faith.
How do I show welcome and who to? At the church door and to the person who sits next to me?
How do I seek to improve the welfare of the poor, the downtrodden, the unloved or alone? It isn’t just about the money, it’s about actions too.
How do I give witness that Jesus Christ is my saviour and I am rejoicing because I am saved? Where and How do I shine the light of my message? How do I show I am happy?
What do I do with the Word of God once I have received it? Where and how do I plant it on? How do I help it to grow?
And how do I contribute to the worship in my church? How do I make it better, more fulfilling to my neighbours and friends? How do I show that worship of my God is important to me? This is my church and my worship; it is my responsibility
These messages are not confined to the schools and church prayer groups; they are for you and me to think about and then do something about. Jesus didn’t just think about the law or about the people in front of him – he spoke up; he did something; he challenged them to change and to become better. I ask that you do the same for yourselves.
Bidding Prayers
1. That we live lives of welcome where we show God’s love for us in all of our dealings with others, full of love, respect and inclusion for all especially those worse off than us. Lord in your mercy
2. That we bear witness to the Word of God, to what we have been taught and know and have come to accept in our lives as exemplars of faith. Lord in your mercy
3. That we work hard to increase and improve the worship in our church community, seeking out ways to develop our faith practice to benefit everyone. Lord in your mercy
4. That all those caught up in the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria receive the aid and support they so desperately need. Lord in your mercy
5. That those in our parish who are sick in mind, in body or in spirit are supported and enriched by our prayers and actions. Lord in your mercy
6. That those who have died recently find eternal rest with the Lord. We remember especially Frank Morris and Marie Josee Brown whose funerals are in the coming weeks. Lord in your mercy
7. That Mary our Mother and the Mother of our Saviour intercedes for us as we now pray together, Hail Mary . . . .