6th Sunday - A

Commentary

Matthew5: 17 - 37

We Follow Not the Law, but a Person

Jesus has “come not to abolish but to fulfill” the Law and the Prophets.   

In fact, the Law and the Prophets prepared for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

Thus, Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. 

At the death of Jesus, heaven and earth have already “passed away.”  At that time, “the earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were open.”  Moreover, those who had died “were raised.”  Then, after Jesus’ resurrection, “they entered the holy city and appeared to many.” (Matthew 27: 51 – 53) [1]

And, at Jesus’ resurrection, "there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven….  His appearance was like lightning.” (Matthew 28: 2 – 3) [2]

Jesus’ resurrection opens the age of a new heaven and a new earth. 

We no longer follow the Law for its own sake.  The Law, rather, now helps us to follow a person, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of all things. 

And He leads us to life in the new heaven and the new earth, to membership in the “kingdom of heaven.”

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[1] Francis J. Moloney.  The Gospel of the Lord:  Reflections on the Gospel Readings: Year A.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1995; p. 140.

[2] Ibid.,  p. 140 – 141.