You Have Heard that it was said: But I say to you

Before we get into today’s verses, I’d like to relate something very humorous that happened in my fourth grade religious ed class.  We read Sunday’s Gospel about the parable of the fruitless fig tree together.  Then, I gave them two coloring sheets related to this Gospel and parable.  I hadn’t really looked at them closely because I had printed them off a Catholic mom’s web site.

The first sheet was a picture of Jesus speaking in the synagogue.  When the girls began to color the second sheet, they began giggling.  When I looked at the sheet, there was the fig tree, the gardener, and (drum roll, please) a chainsaw.  We all had quite a time and laugh about that.

My husband suggested that it could have been water powered.  The deacon suggested that it could have been a “steal.”  However, I was just impressed that the girls understood that they probably did not have chainsaws when Jesus was living.

Concerning Adultery (Matthew 5: 27-30)

(5:27)  Jesus forbids adultery as does the Mosaic Law.  However, He extends the prohibition to impure and lustful thoughts even if they aren’t acted upon.  (CCC 2380)

(CCC 2380) The sixth commandment and the New Testament forbid adultery absolutely.  Jesus condemns even adultery of mere desire.  The prophets see it as an image of the sin of idolatry.  (Hos 2:7; Jer 5: 7; 13:27)

(5:29)  Pluck it out: this is NOT a literal command for self-mutilation.  Jesus uses alarming images because sexual sin is so severe.  Extreme measures are needed.

1. to avoid occasions of sin
2. to avoid the sins themselves
3. to avoid the eternal punishment they lead to

Concerning Divorce (Matthew 5: 31-32)

(5: 31)  a certificate of divorce:  the Old Covenant permitted divorce and remarriage because of Israel’s sinfulness (19:8; cf Deut 24: 1-4)  In the New Covenant, divorce and remarriage leads to adultery.  Matthew adds an “exception clause.”:  (CCC 2382)

(CCC 2382)  The Lord Jesus insisted on the original intention of the Creator who willed that marriage be indissoluble.  He abrogates the accommodations that had slipped into the Old Law.

Next Time:  Jesus on Marriage and Divorce

Study Question:  If possible, read about matrimony in the preaching of Jesus.  (CCC 1612-1617)  What questions come to your mind regarding this teaching?

Meditation: Prayerfully consider the following questions:

1. Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action?
2. Have I engaged in sexual activity outside the bond of matrimony?
3. Have I used artificial birth control?
4. Have I respected people of the opposite sex?
5. Have I been guilty of impure actions?
6. Do I dress modestly?
7. Do I practice the virtue of chastity in all my thoughts and actions?