PRI Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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Gospel

Matthew 5:27-32

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

"It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Reflection

This is one of those passages that talks about the difference between the law and being one who follows the law, or being someone who has the integrity of the law within their heart, and they don't have to worry about what the rules are, but they just simply know what they need to do. They understood it. That's the heart of this passage, I believe.

If you have integrity, if you have the spirit in you animating you, you will do the right thing.

Closing Prayer

Father, we tend to lean upon our logic or our own capacity to make ourselves do what we're supposed to do. And that's not in any way, shape or form what God has established as his kingdom. We're transformed people, we're different, we are awakened to a reality that is now the heart of who we are. Bless us with this gift and we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross