Quotable Quotes

Many of us have collections of saying of famous people on our bookshelves. It may be a book of general quotations, or anecdotes or excerpts from speeches or books. Among those on my shelves are collections of Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul, Pascal, and others. These compilations give us a window into the life and teaching of these people. The part of the Sermon on the Mount we have just hears a similar compilation.  Through this collection of Jesus’ quotable quotes, St Matthew gives us a window into his life and teaching.

The first thing that St Matthew needs to demonstrate is that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Jewish law. He has not come to invent a religion, but rather he is its fulfilment. We are told that not one dot or stroke will disappear from the law. Connections with the Jewish law are central to this account of Jesus’s life, as they provide Jesus’ academic pedigree. A similar method can be found for those studying or expounding doctrine. The Church does not invent teaching, but can trace every doctrine back to the apostles and beyond. Every statement can be tracked through the history of the teaching of the Church. This method has a direct effect on us today, where my responsibility is not to tell you what I think, but to preach the gospel held in the church and make it relevant to us here in Broome today.

Christianity, which is the continuation of the Jewish law acknowledging Jesus as Messiah, teaches that following the letter of the law is not enough. Christianity is about relationship, not legalism. Enduring relationships have definite rules and boundaries, and these rules are followed with the heart as well as the head. That is why he has a shot at the Pharisees and Scribes, who were very careful to follow the law as written. That is why the comments follow about killing, anger, adultery and oaths. If we desire Christian authenticity, we must seek the relationship to which Jesus leads us in the Sermon on the Mount. 

Our first reading from the Book of Ecclesiasticus guides us: If you wish, you can keep the commandments, To behave faithfully is in your power; and later: We have death and life before us. Whatever we like better will be given to us. At the start of this year we have the choice to commit to a year filled with new life, new opportunities and new relationships. This is particularly true for those of us here tonight who hold positions of educational responsibility within our Parish School. It will be ensured if we seek the wisdom of Ecclesiasticus, making our preference known through our actions and our heart.

Matthew finishes this teaching by putting the boot into those who like many words. If your answer is no say just say no and if it is yes, say yes!  

May God help us to say yes to life and goodness this year!


Homily preached by Fr Matt Digges in Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, Broome, WA, on 
February 12, 2011 at the vigil Mass for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A