"If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you..."
"No one does he (God) command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin."
These two passages are from today's first reading from Sirach 15. For today's Gospel reading, we continue with the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. See how these readings correspond to one another.
I always like to say that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises the bar on our actions (and thoughts) to ridiculous levels. Unachievable, apart from God's grace. But here's the thing: when it comes to following the commandments, God's laws and holy will, we always think we deserve to be the exception to the rule. Surely our circumstances merit special consideration! Remember the words of Sirach. "To none does he give license to sin." Life is tough. But that doesn't mean we get a free pass to bad behavior.
Father, give us the grace and strength we need to live the commandments and your holy will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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