Theme: Law and Freedom
Our theme for our Sunday readings is essentially about the conflict between God’s law or commandments and our desire to do things the way we wanted it. We don’t want to be told what to do.
Here is a portion of the commentary from Saint Joseph Sunday missal:
“It seems to be ever more difficult for modern persons to accept rules and regulations, which are considered as handicaps (obstacles) for their full self-realization. Freedom is of paramount importance in the ‘land of the free and home of the brave’.
“God’s wisdom tells us that we must be careful with statements often made by contemporary psychologist who try to do away with human responsibility for evil committed. A breakdown of authority in the family, the church, and the state resulting in a high rate of juvenile delinquency, might have something to do with a certain kind of psychology, taught for several decades.
“Jesus did not come to do away with the law, but to reinterpret it and raise it to a different level. Jesus stresses that we should pay attention not just to what is actually done, but also to the inner motive, which is known only to ourselves and to God.
“Laws may be beacons (a source of light or inspiration) in our often confused human condition.
“But as a whole, human freedom means people can choose good and avoid evil.”
Freedom per se is not good if it affects other people. An example which is very common in our country, especially in the rural areas and provinces, is playing loud music without considering whether our neighbors like it or not. It’s ok to enjoy music but if it affects the peace and tranquility of other people, then it’s not good, because it can happen to us in reverse. So the Golden Rule is good: Do not do to other what you do not want others do to you.
We need good laws to improve the quality of life in our community or city. We need good laws so we can live in harmony with our neighboring countries. We need good laws so our properties are secured. We need the protection of the law so that peace and order is maintained in our community.
God’s law or commandments are of similar purpose. It’s for our own good. Knowing our nature and limitation, God’s law will do us good. The reason behind God’s law is His love for us.
An example of God’s law in the Old Testament was from Leviticus 11:9-12. He commanded the Chosen People to eat only those fish with fins and scales from the sea and rivers. All the other creatures from the sea and rivers He forbids them from eating. They are unclean. It’s now scientifically proven that only fish with scales has the means of expelling the toxins they have in their bodies. The scales are their organs to expel the toxins and impurities. All the other creatures, such as crabs, shrimps, squids, etc, who thrive mostly at the bottom of the sea, does not have the means to expel the toxins they have. Instead their functions is that they contribute as cleaners of the sea. As it is they are able to maintain its relative cleanliness. (For us humans we expel our toxic waste through three areas: urine, sweat, and stool). We have to remember that there are so much toxic waste and impurities thrown into our rivers and sea: By the houses lining up the rivers, by the ships and boats, etc. For our long term good health, it is for our good that we obey this law.
Wish you and your family a happy Sunday ! God Bless