The first reading is taken from Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, and contains the clearest statement in the Old Testament concerning the God-given freedom of the human will. It exonerates God from all responsibility for evil in the world. “If you choose, you can keep the commandments … before you are life and death, whichever you choose shall be given you!” Faith is not just about choosing God’s law but living it.

In the second reading, St Paul challenges his Corinthian believers to appreciate the Wisdom of God’s saving plan for His people, a plan hidden for ages but now revealed by the Spirit.

In the Gospel, we hear from the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus challenges his disciples to live a life of justice and righteousness which should exceed that of the scribes and pharisees.

Jesus, as the new lawgiver, sets out his own position with regard to the law given through Moses, by providing a new interpretation and meaning to the old laws.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus explains the real meaning of three Mosaic laws concerning murder, adultery, divorce and false oaths. Jesus is not abolishing the commandments but making us go deeper.

We are invited to trust God more with our hearts even in times of trial, suffering, confusion.

God is always at work beyond what we can see. Through the Holy Spirit God reveals his love and truth to our hearts.

Following God’s law on the outside is not enough, we are asked to go further.

This Gospel asks us to reflect on three areas of life.

1. How we treat others?

2. How we guard our hearts?

3. How do we live with integrity?

These are three excellent areas for all of us to take on board during the season of Lent so that we can deepen our relationship with Christ and live in peace with others.