“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” Mt 5:20
Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a lay group, one of three recognized groups of Jews that included the Sadducees (priestly clan) and Essenes.
The Pharisees were formed during the Maccabean period as strong advocates of the Law and the Traditions of the elders. Unlike the Sadducees who believed only the Torah was inspired, the Pharisees accepted the inspiration of the historical books, the Prophets, Psalms and Proverbs.
Given that understanding, the Pharisees acknowledged a belief in the Resurrection of the Body – echoes of which could be found in the prophetic literature. One could say the “Bible” of the Pharisees matched Our Lord’s as documented by His quotes of the Old Testament, and by Luke’s narrative as Jesus travelled on the road to Emmaus. (Lk 25:27).
Traditions That Conflicted with the Law
The Pharisaic hyper adherence to the Law of Moses was not in itself wrong. However, over time certain self-interested traditions became part of their discipline which conflicted with the Mosaic Covenant. Illustrative of this point, is Jesus’ condemnation of Qorban as documented in the Gospel of Mark. A requirement to support the Temple evolved into the custom of a personal vow of money that could not be used for any other purpose. As designed, the vow permitted the Pharisee to retain his pledge for an unlimited personal use during his lifetime, but it could not be used otherwise, for instance to support a Father or Mother. Jesus condemned the practice as a hypocrisy that avoided the Commandment to Honor Father and Mother. (cf. Mk 7:1-13).
Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law
The Gospel passage expands on Jesus’ comment that He did not “come to abolish the law and the prophets… but rather to fulfill them. (Mt 5:17).
One notes that the Mosaic Law primarily emphasized that should not be done to a neighbor. “Thou shall not commit adultery” for instance is a prohibitive action. Much of the other commandments are likewise prohibitive. One is not to covet, not to lie, not to steal, not to murder.
Our Lord would simply say it is not enough not to engage in the particular act, such as adultery, for one can lust in the heart and in so doing betray the marital vow.
Jesus Reveals the Heart of the Law
Particularly today, we hear that compliance with the Law includes an internal disposition in addition to the historical external prohibitions. It is not enough not to commit adultery, we are called to love our wives. It is not enough to not murder, I am not to be guided internally by a wrath that is fueled by anger, insult, or contempt for my neighbor. I must have patience, peace, understanding – and be reminded that my words, those that come from inside me, can create the greater harm. (cf Mk 7:20-23).
The Mass in Light of This Gospel Passage
Settle especially with your opponent quickly.
Do not let division fester.
Jesus prioritized reconciliation even over our worship at Mass. We are to leave our gift in the pew, rather than offer it to God with an unclean heart.
There is a reason we have a sign of Peace at every Mass. By exchanging it with our neighbor in the pew, we should be reminded of the person we offended who is not next to us, and through the Mystery of the Body of Christ, understand that the healing of our wounds can be accelerated through the Sacrament of Confession, as well as the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
Let us close by taking a moment to reflect on that one person in our life, who for the sake of a peaceful reconciliation, we can be the first to extend the hand of friendship. May we thereby, conform ourselves to today’s Gospel message.
