Ecclesiasticus 15:16–21; Psalm 118(119); 1 Corinthians 2:6–10; Matthew 5:17–37
The Freedom to Choose
Dear friends, today we celebrate the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time. From Wednesday this week, we are going to pause this season to give way to two very intensive seasons: the Lenten and Easter seasons. The Word of God presented to us today speaks clearly about human freedom, responsibility, and the consequences of our choices. God does not force obedience upon anyone. He places before every person life and death, good and evil, fidelity and sin, and allows each one to choose. The direction of our lives, therefore, depends largely on the decisions we make. Are the decisions you are making a choice of life or death?
The first reading reminds us that obedience to God is not beyond human ability. God created us with genuine freedom. If we choose to keep His commandments, we shall live; if we reject them, we face the consequences of our own decisions. God sees all human actions and watches over those who fear Him, yet He never commands anyone to sin. Evil and wrongdoing do not come from God but from human misuse of freedom. Too often, people blame God for suffering brought about by human choices—corruption, injustice, violence, broken families, and moral decay. But Scripture reminds us clearly: responsibility lies within each person. What choices are shaping your life today?
The psalmist responds by praising the beauty of God’s law, which is not meant to oppress but to guide humanity toward true happiness. God’s commandments are not chains but signposts leading to life. Yet many still see God’s law as restrictive and outdated, preferring temporary pleasures that later lead to regret and suffering. Experience shows that choices made without moral guidance often leave deep wounds in individuals and communities. How often do you choose what is easy rather than what is right?
In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about a wisdom that goes beyond human intelligence. True wisdom comes from God and cannot be discovered through human reasoning alone. Many powerful people of Jesus’ time failed to recognize this divine wisdom, which is why they crucified Christ, the Lord of Glory. Even today, worldly success and intellectual achievement do not necessarily lead to understanding God’s plan. God has prepared blessings beyond imagination for those who love Him, but these realities are revealed through the Holy Spirit. Without openness to God’s Spirit, people risk becoming clever in worldly matters but spiritually blind. Our decision does not only depend on the health of the mind but also the health of our soul, body and emotions. Do you allow God’s Spirit to guide your decisions?
In the Gospel, Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law but to bring it to fulfillment. He moves beyond external obedience to call for interior conversion. True righteousness is not merely about keeping rules but about transforming the heart. Anger, insults, and hatred already destroy relationships even before physical violence occurs. Reconciliation must come before worship; one cannot approach God while remaining at war with others.
Jesus also teaches that sin begins within. Adultery is not only an external act; lustful intention already damages the purity of the heart. He uses strong language to show that we must take decisive steps to avoid sin and protect our spiritual life. Marriage, too, is sacred and not to be treated casually. Likewise, our speech should be honest and simple. A Christian’s word should be trustworthy without the need for oaths or manipulations. Are you struggling with temptations and are not able to say no?
The message of today’s Gospel is demanding but liberating: discipleship requires integrity of heart, faithfulness in relationships, commitment to reconciliation, and honesty in daily life. Christianity is not merely about appearing religious but about becoming new people from within.
Dear friends, God gives us freedom, but freedom carries responsibility. Each day we choose between life and death, good and evil, truth and compromise. Christ invites us not only to obey laws externally but to allow God to transform our hearts. The future we experience tomorrow begins with the choices we make today.
May the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom to choose life, courage to reject sin, and grace to live as faithful witnesses of Christ in our families and communities.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 