Jun 12, 2024

12 June 2024 - Daily Reflection - Homily


In Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus emphasizes the importance of upholding the Law and the Prophets while also fulfilling their true meaning and purpose. Let's reflect on these verses:

  1. The Fulfilment of the Law: Jesus declares that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them. This highlights the continuity between the Old Testament scriptures and Jesus' teachings. As followers of Christ, we recognize the significance of the Law in revealing God's character and standards for righteous living.

  2. The Importance of Righteousness: Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteousness, stating that not a single letter or stroke of the Law will pass away until all is accomplished. This underscores the enduring relevance of God's moral standards and the call for His people to live lives characterized by righteousness and obedience to His commands.

  3. Teaching and Practicing the Commandments: Jesus instructs His disciples to both teach and practice the commandments, emphasizing the importance of aligning our beliefs with our actions. It is not enough to simply know the Law; we are called to live it out in our daily lives, demonstrating our love for God and others through our actions and attitudes.

  4. The Greatness in the Kingdom: Jesus assures His disciples that those who keep the commandments and teach others to do the same will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. This challenges us to prioritize the study and application of God's Word in our lives and to share its truths with others, thereby fulfilling our role as ambassadors of God's Kingdom on earth.

  5. The Consequences of Disobedience: Jesus warns against relaxing even the least of the commandments and teaches that whoever does so and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of wholehearted obedience to God's Word.

In reflecting on Matthew 5:17-19, may we recognize the significance of upholding God's commandments, both in our beliefs and our actions. Let us strive to live lives characterized by righteousness, obedience, and a commitment to teaching others the truths of God's Word. In doing so, may we honour God and fulfil our calling as His disciples in the world.

Lord, help us to honour Your commandments in our actions and teachings. Guide us in living lives of righteousness and obedience, that we may reflect Your love and truth to others. Amen

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Todays Homily:

My dear brothers and sisters,

In Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus delivers a powerful message about the significance of the Law and the Prophets in fulfilling God's divine plan. These verses remind us of the importance of upholding God's commandments and living lives characterized by righteousness and obedience.

Jesus begins by declaring that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them. This statement underscores the continuity between the Old Testament scriptures and Jesus' teachings. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize the timeless relevance of God's moral standards and to honour His commandments in our lives.

Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteousness, stating that not a single letter or stroke of the Law will pass away until all is accomplished. This highlights the enduring nature of God's Word and the call for His people to live lives that reflect His character and standards.

Jesus instructs His disciples to both teach and practice the commandments, underscoring the importance of aligning our beliefs with our actions. It is not enough to simply know the Law; we are called to live it out in our daily lives, demonstrating our love for God and others through our actions and attitudes.

Moreover, Jesus assures His disciples that those who keep the commandments and teach others to do the same will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. This challenges us to prioritize the study and application of God's Word in our lives and to share its truths with others, thereby fulfilling our role as ambassadors of God's Kingdom on earth.

However, Jesus also warns against relaxing even the least of the commandments, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the consequences of disobedience. As disciples of Christ, we are called to wholeheartedly obey God's Word and to teach others to do the same, thereby honouring God and fulfilling our calling in the world.

In conclusion, let us heed Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-19 and strive to honour God's commandments in our actions and teachings. May we live lives characterized by righteousness and obedience, reflecting God's love and truth to a world in need. Amen.

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Todays Story:


In the village of Benin, nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, there lived a devout man named Benjamin, affectionately known as Benin by his neighbours. From a young age, Benin had a deep reverence for God's commandments, instilled in him by his parents who were faithful followers of God.

As Benin grew older, his love for God's Word only deepened, and he felt a calling to share its teachings with others in his village. Every day, he would gather the children under the shade of a towering oak tree, where he would regale them with stories and lessons from the scriptures.

One day, as Benin sat with the children, he noticed a group of travellers passing through the village. Curious, the children approached the travellers and struck up a conversation. Sensing an opportunity to share God's Word with the newcomers, Benin joined the conversation and began to speak to them about the importance of righteousness and obedience to God's commandments.

Moved by Benin's passion and wisdom, the travellers listened intently as he shared stories and teachings from the scriptures. They marvelled at the depth of his knowledge and the profound truths contained in God's Word.

Inspired by Benin's teachings, the travellers decided to stay in the village for a while, eager to learn more from this wise elder. They spent their days sitting at Benin's feet, soaking in his words of wisdom and reflecting on how they could apply them to their own lives.

As word spread of Benin's teachings, more and more people from neighbouring villages began to visit, eager to hear the words of this revered teacher. Benin welcomed them all with open arms, sharing God's Word with humility and grace.

Over time, Benin's influence spread far and wide, touching the hearts and lives of countless individuals who had been transformed by his teachings. Families began to prioritize the study of scripture in their homes, and a renewed sense of reverence for God's commandments permeated the entire region.

Through his faithful commitment to teaching God's Word, Benin fulfilled the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:17-19, upholding the importance of the Law and the Prophets while also fulfilling their true meaning and purpose. His life became a beacon of light and hope, inspiring others to live lives characterized by righteousness and obedience to God.

In the village of Benin, the legacy of this humble teacher lived on for generations to come, a testament to the transformative power of God's Word and the blessings that come from living in obedience to His commandments.

The moral of the story of Benin is that a steadfast commitment to God's commandments and a willingness to share His Word with others can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Through his dedication to teaching and living out the principles of righteousness and obedience, Benin became a source of inspiration and transformation for those around him. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of embodying God's love and truth in our daily lives, and the ripple effect that can occur when we faithfully follow His commandments. 

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