The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Kings 18:20-39
Psalm 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab and 8, 11
Mark 12:18-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)

At first glance at today’s gospel, things can seem to be a bit contradictory. However, as it always is when our Lord speaks, this is not the case. As the law was applied to the Jews 2000 years ago, it was a burden with added-on restrictions that were never intended in the law as given by Moses. The religious leaders, especially the Pharisees who Jesus so often criticized, made the law so cumbersome that many had difficulty abiding by it.

When Jesus gave His ministry, He told us that loving God with all our beings and our neighbors as ourselves was the core of the law and all the teachings of the prophets. When He tells us He came to fulfill it, He speaks in complete truth. Jesus’ love for the Father was complete, with His entire being doing the Father’s will. His love for others was above all other love as He healed the sick, forgave sin and set people on the right path. His entire time on earth was in fulfillment of the law, loving God with everything and others as Himself.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)