Conviction

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, February 12th, 2023:
The Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

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Matthew
5.17, 20-24, 27-28, 33-34, 37

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that the one who is angry with their brother or sister, will be liable to judgment; and whoever insults their brother or sister, will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

“So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you: Do not swear at all.

“Let your word be ‘Yes,’ if ‘Yes,’ or ‘No,’ if ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks into the gray areas of my heart. He speaks of a certain orientation of mind, a condition of the soul that goes beyond a simple list of “don’ts.” He speaks of a righteousness that goes beyond appearances, an understanding of love and mercy that brings the law to life and gives it purpose, a depth of character that is formed out of intentional relationship with Love Himself. 

I was brought up well, with a good appreciation for right and wrong, but without faith. Many would argue that an appreciation for right and wrong was all I needed, but I’m convinced otherwise because I’ve come to believe that the law is only ever partially effective without a loving conviction. A bigger story. A purpose.

God knows the law is not enough, so He brings the conviction. Jesus. A man with eyes like ours, who feels as we feel, and who loves as God loves. Jesus looks through even the relatively good actions of the righteous and asks us all to examine our hearts. He knows the truth, that my fallen condition means I tend toward selfishness and self-preservation. That I’m easily swayed by emotion. That even though I know what the right thing is, I do the wrong thing anyway, or that I might do the right thing but I do it with resignation or bitterness. 

Jesus calls me deeper, back to the purity of the heart God gave me, away from the brokenness I’ve experienced in the world. He knows I need love, above all else. And He doesn’t give up on me. Ever.

Back to the purity of the heart that God gave me. 

Lord, bring me back.

Amen.



​Lindsay Elford

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