In gospel, Jesus talks about that level of righteousness which exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. These men were known for their hypocrisy; they were inconsistent and dishonest in their practice of righteousness. A righteousness that is practiced for people to see, which is selective and selfish, cannot bring life. A man who has chosen to serve the Lord and live a righteous life, should allow every aspect of his life, and all his life, to be soaked in righteousness. Thus, to avoid shifting from righteousness to wickedness, man must aim at the higher righteousness centered on Christ Jesus. From within, in the silence of his heart, a man inclines his heart and mind to righteousness, obeys the law and does the right thing. This too is how a wicked man can be pulled out from his wickedness to righteousness.
In the higher righteousness, obeying the law and doing the
right flows from within, and it is not externally influenced. It becomes part
of one’s life. So, where the law says, “You shall not kill”, the higher
righteousness inclines you to be reconciled with one another always and live
in peace. This higher righteousness is heavenly; it unlocks the kingdom of
heaven for us, bringing among us the reign of God and leading us to heaven.
Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Friday March 3rd, 2023.
10th Lenten meditation
