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(Sir.15:15-20;\xa0\xa0 Ps.119:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34;\xa0\xa0 1Cor.2:6-10;\xa0\xa0 Mt.5:17-37) \xa0 \u201cOh, that I might be firm in the ways of keeping your statutes!\u201d \xa0 The clear theme of today\u2019s readings is the need to \u201cexactly observe\u201d the commands of the Lord, to keep His law \u201cwith all [our] heart.\u201d\xa0 It is this walking \u201cin the law of the Lord\u201d that makes us blessed in His sight. It is popular to believe that Jesus\u2019 coming somehow nullifies the law and makes it unnecessary for our lives.\xa0 The Lord makes it quite clear the opposite is true: \u201cI have not come to abolish but to fulfill.\u201d\xa0 In fact, He could not make the point more certain than His saying, \u201cUntil heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law.\u201d\xa0 Indeed, He does not say only that killing subjects one to judgment, but even anger at one\u2019s brother.\xa0 Not only is committing adultery wrong, but \u201ceveryone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.\u201d Simply because forgiveness is greater in the presence of Jesus does not mean punishment is less; it is in fact greater as well, and more than greater \u2013 eternal.\xa0 Now \u201cthe Spirit scrutinizes everything.\u201d\xa0 Now even the smallest of sins is exposed to the all-encompassing light of Christ and to the \u201call-seeing\u2026 eyes of God.\u201d\xa0 The sins being more greatly exposed, of course the forgiveness is greater, for there is that much more for the all-compassionate God to forgive.\xa0 But by the same token, for those who do not come to Jesus to receive His grace and mercy, for those who choose death over life\u2026 the punishment is certainly all the greater; for more they see upon their souls about which to gnash their teeth.\xa0 And now the choice that is made by the will of man is no longer temporal: it is made eternal by the Son of Man.\xa0 There is no release from Gehenna, and Jesus comes to usher us into Heaven or cast our souls into Hell.\xa0 And further warning is found in the saints, who have said that most must pay \u201cthe last penny\u201d in the fires of Purgatory before entering the heavenly gates. The Lord gives no one \u201clicense to sin.\u201d\xa0 All shall be responsible for their actions against Him and against His wisdom and love.\xa0 All are commanded to act justly before Him, if we hope to come into His kingdom.\xa0 \u201cYes\u201d is \u201cyes\u201d with the Lord, and \u201cno\u201d is \u201cno\u201d: no deception will stand before Him.\xa0 We must pray each day for the wisdom to follow Him, and so find His everlasting grace upon our souls even as we journey through this world. \xa0 Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. \xa0 Music: "Give Me Strength" from\xa0Loving Spirit, third album of\xa0Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. \xa0 ******* O LORD, let us resolve to walk in your wisdom that we might find eternal life.\xa0 YHWH, help us to follow in your ways with our whole heart, to seek ever to fulfill your commandments, to be obedient to your Word and that of your Son.\xa0 Then we shall be blessed, for then we shall be perfect even as you are perfect. Now your Spirit reveals all your truth through the teaching of Jesus.\xa0 Now light is fully shed on the wonders of your Law.\xa0 Now we are called to love as you love \u2013 not to be angry with our brothers, not to have lust in our heart\u2026 not to let our eyes wander or our tongue speak anything but your truth.\xa0 The way to Heaven your Son makes clear to us: O LORD, let us heed His Word and walk in His holy way! How holy we must be to enter your presence, how detached from all sin.\xa0 Nothing of darkness can approach your glory, and so to the letter we must follow your Word.\xa0 Indeed, we must wholly live in your love.\xa0 To see as you see, O LORD, to transcend our blindness\u2026 to come to what is beyond our minds, we must give ourselves over to the Spirit and be purified of every stain of sin.