The observance of God’s laws was of paramount importance to the Israelite people. God gave his laws to Moses, who taught them to and enjoined them on the people. More on that in a moment. In our Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus gives the people the same message. “Do not think I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Jesus lets us know that, even though we are under grace, the commandments are still to be obeyed. This should be a part of our daily examination of conscience.
God did not give his laws to the people for his health. He gave them to us for OUR health. Our spiritual health. And Jesus stated very clearly that he did not come to do away with the law. Rather, he came to teach us how to live life to the fullest; through love and compassion. To show us the Father, that we might be more like him. Moses tells the people the benefits of following God’s law. And he makes sure to tell them to “teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”
How do kids learn? Through instruction, of course. Reading, lessons and words are important. But perhaps the best way they learn is through example. So we must be an example, a witness, a model of God's commands throughout our lives. This is important when they are young, and when they strike out on their own. They may forget the words, but they will always remember the example you gave them, and continue to give them. So let us never stop teaching our children - through word and example.
Father, we thank you for writing your laws into our hearts. Give us the grace and the courage to teach these laws to our children and our children’s children by how we live our lives. Amen.
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God bless you and all Gus!