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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Wednesday
of the 3rd Week of Lent
St. Luke’s Institute
March 26, 2014
CANON
LAW ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Back in the mid-1960’s I was studying Canon Law at Catholic
University in Washington
Ø
1 of 1ST things learned were the 3 limitations of law
Ø
1st, law only states letter of what’s or isn’t 2B done
Ø
2nd, law deals with externals
Ø
And 3rd, law usually deals with minimums
JESUS
& THE LAW +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I
have come not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it”
Ø
In saying this, he is, of course, speaking of religious law and
not civil law
Ø
And he’s saying, in effect, that he is respecting, but also going
beyond the usual limitations of law
JESUS
& THE 3 LIMITATIONS OF LAW ++++++++++++++
Ø
So 1st, J takes us beyond letter of law to its meaning
& inner spirit
Ø
He wants us 2 understand what the law really means & why it
exists & what it really calls us 2
Ø
2nd, J takes us into ourselves
Ø
Leads us beyond mere externals to what is internal
Ø
He wants us 2 look at R feelings & also 2B in touch w/ R intentions
& motives
Ø
& 3rd, J takes us beyond min 2 more of max
Ø
Leads us 2 think in terms of doing most good we can or avoiding
most evil we can
CASE IN
POINT ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
So, e.g., J speaks of law telling us not to kill, but he tells us
not even to act out of anger
Ø
This takes us beyond letter 2 real meaning of law – being
constructive & life-promoting in R relatinshps
Ø
In taking us beyond killing to anger, Jesus also leads us beyond
externals to the internal feelings within us – he wants us even to deal with
those feelings
Ø
And he takes us from a minimum – not killing – to a maximum – not
diminishing the life of another in any way at all
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
So from a moral or ethical perspective, J’s sayings capture heart
of message, of entire gospel
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
