Today Jesus instructs His disciples what not to do.  He begins His instructions by saying: “Do not think that I have come abolish the law and the prophets, I have come, not to abolish them, but to fulfil them.”  He continues on: “Of this much I assure you: until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter of the law. . . shall be done away with until it all comes true.”  Anyone who fulfils the law is the least in the kingdom.”  Then He adds: Whoever fulfils and teaches these commandments shall be great in the kingdom of God.  And unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of God.”

Jesus also speaks about judging others.  If we judge a sister or brother, we are the ones who will be liable for judgment, not them.  He then talks about anger.  He tells His disciples that if they get angry or use abusive language they will be held in contempt and they also are risking “the fires of Gehenna.”  Jesus warns His disciples about the danger of thoughts of impurity, adultery, divorce or making false oaths or pledges.  He ends with these words: “”Say ‘Yes’ when you mean “yes” and ‘no’ when you mean “no.”  Anything else is from the evil one.”

Let us take a moment and ask ourselves:  how often do we speak and words that are neither just nor appropriate?    Why do we do this?  Most of us know what is appropriate and inappropriate yet we continue to berate, judge, or demean others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is very clear about what we are not to do!   Today pause a moment :  do I take Jesus’ words seriously?  Do I strive to live as He calls us to live?  Every day, every moment, we have a choice!  What will we choose today?  

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