Search for holiness: It is difficult for us to realize how shocking Jesus’ teaching is to the Jews of his day. He is pointing out some inadequacies in what the leaders of the people consider to be the most sacred and wisest writings in the world. Prior to their entry into the Promised Land, Moses reminded the people of the centrality of the Law. In their faithfulness to this Law, God’s people could become a source of light and hope to all other nations who might look on their fidelity to their relationships, contracts, and customs. Yet Jesus puts forward his own teaching; he speaks with an authority that holds the crowds spellbound. No one has dared do this before.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way of eternal insight. When reflected on in prayer, God in Jesus can answer our ultimate questions about life and meaning. The laws of Christ and his Church in the modern world are to be a source of joy and praise to God. They are also to distinguish the Christian in the world. The ancient cry, “See these Christians, how they love one another,” was a recognition that no other people had a commandment to match the Christian rule of love.
Lent is a time of spiritual purification, so that God’s least wish becomes an absolute command for us. The Lord calls us to more than legal compliance, however. He invites us to spiritual perfection. If we are to arrive at holiness, we must each day practice many human and supernatural virtues: faith, hope, charity, justice, fortitude, industriousness, loyalty, optimism. While acquiring a habit of exercising each virtue, we must at the same time be sincere, truthful, balanced, calm, and patient.