NARRATOR: Jesus taught his disciples about the law.
JESUS: Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill them. Truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter or stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter the kingdom of God.
OLD LAW: You have heard the commandment imposed on your ancestors. “You shall not kill,” and “Whoever murders will be liable to judgment.”
JESUS: I say to you, that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool,” you will be liable to hellfire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard and you will be thrown in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
OLD LAW: You have heard the commandment, “You shall not commit adultery.”
JESUS: I say to you, anyone who looks lustfully at another person’s spouse has already committed adultery in his or her thoughts.
OLD LAW: You have heard the commandment imposed on your ancestors, “Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all your pledges.”
JESUS: I say to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven for it is the throne of God, or by the earth because it is God’s footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great ruler. And do not swear by your head for you cannot make one hair white or black. Say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no. Anything beyond that is from the evil one.
Matthew 5.17-37
Sunday Readings: Sirach 15.15-20; 1 Corinthians 2.6-10; Matthew 5.17-37