Righteousness
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Reading (Matthew 5: 17-20)
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest part of the law will be done away with. Therefore, anyone who breaks even the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the kingdom of heaven. But he who obeys and teaches these commandments will be greatest. Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Song (Psalm 119)
Lord, teach me the way of your laws;
I shall observe them with care.
Give me insight to observe your teaching,
To keep it with all my heart.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
For that is my delight.
Direct my heart toward your decrees
And away from unjust gain.
Turn my eyes from what is worthless,
By your way give me life.
See how I long for your precepts;
In your justice give me life.
Reflection
Human nature sees the moral law as a burden. It sets limits on our natural inclinations, and holds us in check. It demands conformity with norms imposed by society. It stifles our freedom.But to the man who is growing in faith, who has been touched by the love of God and has made God the focus of his life, the law is a delight.
To the man of faith the law of God is not a burden but a joy, because it sets before him the clear path to eternal happiness. He is no longer lost in a world of confusion and uncertainty. He is no longer in darkness. The law of God is a light that shows him the way to security and peace. He embraces it as a gift from a loving Father, who does not leave his children lost in a bewildering world, but gives them the law of love to lead them home.
Prayer
God our Father, you place your law in our hearts to guide us through the journey of our earthly life. We give you thanks for your law that lights our path and assures us of a safe arrival at the end of our journey in our heavenly home.