Living the Fullness of God's Law with Wisdom and Love

At this last weekend before the beautiful season of Lent, the church invites us to reflect on our relationship with God's law and the wisdom that guides us.

Sirach 15:15-20 reminds us that God has set before us life and death, good and evil. We have been given the freedom to choose, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can go for what is truly good.

St. Augustine says, "God created us without us, but He did not will to save us without us." (St. Augustine)

In 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Paul speaks of God's wisdom, hidden from the world but revealed to those who love Him. We are called to embrace this wisdom, which is Christ Himself.

St. Thomas Aquinas notes, "The wisdom of God is the cause of all things" (Summa Theologica I, q. 1, a. 1).

In Matthew 5:17-37, Jesus reminds us that He is not abolishing the law but fulfilling it. We are called to live the law with a heart full of love, mercy, and compassion.

Christ insists that we go deeper than the letter of the law. Going deeper than letter of the law involves love. When love is applied to laws, it reveals and fosters the spirit of the law. For instance, the law not to commit murder should not be limited to the letter of the law. It goes beyond that. Christ insists that when we are angry with our brother/sister; when we judge and condemn others; when we defame people through calumny and slander, we have already committed murder. Applying love in observing the laws inclines us to root out the causes of violating the law.

Pope Francis says, "The Christian life is not about following rules, but about following Jesus" (Gaudete et Exultate, 21).

St. John Chrysostom adds, "The law is a shadow of good things to come, but the reality is Christ" (Homily on Hebrews).

Let us ask ourselves: Are we living the law with love and wisdom? Are we choosing life and God's ways?

Love should be the foundation and crown of all laws.

When laws are observed and applied without love, they become empty and mechanical.

May the Holy Spirit guide us to walk in the path of wisdom and love. Amen. Blessings.