St. Ephrem, deacon & doctor 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

2 Corinthians 3:4-11

This is how we are sure of God, through Christ.  

As for us we would not dare consider that something comes from us: our ability comes from God.  He has even enabled us to be ministers of a new covenant no longer depending on a written text but on the Spirit. The written text kills, but the Spirit gives life.

 The ministry of the Law carved on stones brought death; it was nevertheless surrounded by glory and we know that the Israelites could not fix their eyes on the face of Moses, such was his radiance, though fleeting.   How much more glorious will the ministry of the Spirit be!   If there is greatness in a ministry which uses to condemn, how much more will there be in the ministry that brings holi­ness?  

 This is such a glorious thing that in comparison the former’s glory is like nothing.   That ministry was provisory and had only moments of glory; but ours endures with a lasting glory.

 

Ps 99:5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Holy is the Lord our God.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Matthew 5:17-19

 Do not think that I have come to remove the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to remove but to fulfill them.   I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or stroke of the Law will change until all is fulfilled.

So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys them and teaches others to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven.

      

Gospel Reflection：

Jesus does not abolish the Law but comes to give it a deeper meaning and insight. At a time when the Teachers of the Law and the Scribes and Pharisees are preoccupied with its letter, He points to the spirit of the Law. The Law was crafted not to put unnecessary burdens to the people, but that they may live the fullness of life and enjoy it.

What happened is, the religious authorities weaponized it to oppress people and control them through religious blackmail. That is why they are threatened when Jesus comes to show the liberating power of the Law. But Jesus does not owe allegiance to them. He stands for the truth.

That is why He counseled His disciples to follow the Law but not as the religious authorities do, but as beloved sons and daughters of God.