Newsletter – Sixth Sunday of the Year A – 12th February 2023
The First Reading this Sunday is from Sirach 15:15–20: The eyes of God see all he has made.
The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 119: Happy are those who walk in the way of the Lord. This week’s Second Reading is taken from 1 Corinthians 2:6–10: God has revealed this wisdom to us through the Spirit.
Our Sunday Gospel Reading is Matthew 5:17–37: I have not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfil them.
Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount with a three-part instruction by Jesus on the Way of Life in the kingdom of heaven. Today’s reading is part one and deals with the Law. Part two deals with worship and religious practice and contains the Lord’s Prayer. Part three deals with trusting God and deeds of loving service to our neighbour.
The Law condemned murder. Jesus condemns anger. The Law condemned adultery. Jesus condemns even lustful looks. As Jewish Christians who had always been faithful to the Law Matthew’s community need a way to understand the difference Jesus and the kingdom he brings have made. They affirmed that God had always been at work in history through “the Law and the prophets.” But God’s work goes beyond that to be embodied by the Messiah who reveals the definitive will of God. The written scriptures and their
interpretation in tradition are surpassed by Jesus whose life and teaching are the definitive revelation of the will of God.
Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal
There will be a second collection today
Let us pray together for the people of Turkey and Syria who have been hard hit by the earthquakes. May we continue to pray for those who have lost their lives, as well as the injured, family members, and rescuers. May our concrete aid sustain them in the midst of this appalling tragedy. Amen.