Tuesday 28th August, 2012
St Augustine. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3, 14–17. The Lord comes to judge the earth—Ps 95(96):10–13. Matthew 23:23–26.

  
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‘You have neglected the weightier matters of the Law.’

Jesus is challenging our attitude to the Law. He criticises those Pharisees and scribes who are scrupulously attentive to minor things but neglect greater ones. Many of us find it easier to observe the letter of the law, rather than to follow the spirit of love that lies behind it, and which is its essence.

As those Pharisees found, strict observance of the letter of the law can bring more recognition from people than a loving observance of what lies behind it. But what God wants is this inner observance. And even if other people do not notice, God will notice. Lord, please help me to see through the letter of the law to what you are really asking of me—justice, mercy, good faith.