6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading
Ecclesiasticus 15:16–21
This passage emphasises human freedom within God’s wisdom. Obedience is not forced; faithfulness is chosen. The Catechism affirms that true freedom involves the capacity to choose what leads to life with God (CCC 1730–1733). God’s commandments are therefore not restrictions but guidance toward flourishing.
This reading challenges modern assumptions that freedom means autonomy without moral reference. Instead, biblical freedom integrates responsibility, discernment, and trust in divine wisdom.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118(119):1–2,4–5,17–18,33–34
The psalm celebrates joy found in God’s law. Rather than legalism, it reflects relational trust — a desire to walk closely with God. The Catechism notes that divine law ultimately leads to freedom because it aligns human life with truth (CCC 1950–1953).
The repeated request for understanding suggests faith is dynamic. Believers continually seek clarity, recognising spiritual growth as an ongoing journey.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 2:6–10
Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom revealed through the Spirit. Christian faith does not reject intellect but recognises that ultimate truth surpasses purely human reasoning. The Catechism teaches that revelation invites humility — openness to truths discovered not solely by human effort but through God’s initiative (CCC 50–53).
This reading encourages intellectual humility while affirming that faith and reason cooperate rather than compete.
Gospel
Matthew 5:17–37
Jesus fulfils the Law by revealing its deeper intent: interior transformation rather than external compliance alone. Anger, lust, dishonesty, and broken relationships become spiritual issues because they originate in the heart. The Catechism describes conversion as fundamentally interior — a change of heart that shapes outward behaviour (CCC 1430–1432).
Christ’s teaching elevates moral life beyond minimal obligation. Discipleship involves integrity, reconciliation, purity of intention, and truthful speech. Faith becomes credible when internal conviction and external action align.
Reflection
Taken together, these readings emphasise integration: freedom guided by wisdom, law fulfilled through love, and faith expressed through integrity. God does not demand perfection instantly but invites continual alignment between heart, mind, and action.
Modern life often fragments these elements — valuing autonomy, external success, or intellectual achievement separately. Scripture instead presents wholeness. True maturity involves wisdom, moral clarity, spiritual humility, and lived compassion.
Christian discipleship is therefore not merely doctrinal agreement or ethical compliance. It is relational fidelity — living consciously in God’s presence, choosing good freely, and allowing grace to shape the inner life.
One line to carry today
Faithfulness begins in the heart before it appears in action.
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