Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 26 March ‘25
Third Week of Lent – Wednesday
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5–9; Matthew 5:17–19
Fulfilment of the Law
Today’s Gospel passage is taken from the Sermon on the Mount. Until now, Jesus has defined who the people of the Kingdom of Heaven are (cf. Matt 5:3–16). In continuation, He now presents a new moral standard or path.
At this point, Jesus seeks to highlight the difference or distinction between Himself and the Jewish religious tradition. During His time, the Jewish Scriptures—referred to as the Tanakh—had not yet reached complete form. Only two sections, the Torah (Law) and the Nevi’im (Prophets), were commonly accepted. The Ketuvim (Writings) were still being compiled. Except for the Psalms, the other books in this section were only later recognized as canonical by the “Council of Jamnia.”
People in Jesus’ time had several questions: “Who is Jesus? What connection does He have with Moses and the Prophets? Is He a continuation of them? If He is, what is new about Him? If He is new, does that mean He contradicts Moses and the Prophets?”
Today’s Gospel passage answers these questions. It can be divided into two parts. In the first part, Jesus says that He has not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfil them. In the second part, He speaks about observing and teaching the commandments.
Beginning His ministry in Nazareth, Jesus presents Himself as a prophet and declares that His mission is prophetic. After reading from the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah, He says, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Today’s Gospel presents Jesus as a teacher—one who observes and teaches the commandments. Matthew introduces Jesus to us in this light.
In the First Reading, God emphasizes to the Israelites the greatness of His commandments and the importance of keeping them. Through Moses, God reminds them of their privileged identity: “These statutes and decrees will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people… What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them?’”
Thus, the Law was important to the Israelites for three reasons:
It gave them their identity.
It was a sign of their relationship with God.
It gave them honour and pride among other nations.
Jesus never intended to abolish this precious Law. Instead, He takes it a step further and fulfils it.
Let’s understand this with an analogy. Imagine buying a mobile phone with 32 GB memory. As apps occupy more space, you upgrade to 128 or 256 GB. Now the phone is more powerful and efficient. You didn’t discard the old phone—you enhanced it. Likewise, Jesus doesn’t destroy the Law but brings it to perfection.
Moses said, “Do not kill.” Jesus says, “Do not even be angry.”
Moses said, “Do not commit adultery.” Jesus says, “Do not look with lust.”
Moses said, “Do not swear falsely.” Jesus says, “Let your word be enough.”
Moses said, “An eye for an eye.” Jesus says, “Forgive.”
Moses said, “Love your neighbour.” Jesus says, “Go the extra mile—love everyone!”
In this way, Jesus fulfils the Law.
Furthermore, the Prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah (cf. Isa 53:1–12); Jesus comes as the Messiah. They foretold the Kingdom of Heaven (cf. Dan 2:44); Jesus proclaims it. They anticipated a New Covenant (cf. Jer 31:31–34); Jesus brings it to fulfilment (cf. Heb 8:6–13).
So, through His teaching, presence, and actions, Jesus presents Himself as the fulfilment of the Law.
He continues by speaking about observance and teaching.
Knowledge, observance, and teaching form the growth of the Law. Knowing something becomes complete when it is followed. When someone who observes the Law teaches it, it enables others to know and observe it as well. Thus, from one act of fulfilment, many more are born.
For Reflection
What message does this passage offer us in this Lenten season?
St. Paul writes to the Church in Rome, “Love is the fulfilment of the Law” (cf. Rom 13:8–13).
St. Augustine also affirms this. Love, a single word, becomes the goal and culmination of the Law. When we live in love, we become those who know, observe, and teach the Law.
To love is good. That is the fulfilment of the Law.
Not a single letter or stroke should be lost. Love perfects all—nothing is destroyed.
God’s Ten Commandments, Jesus’ Two Commandments, and the ordinances of the Church guide and enrich our lives.
Often, commandments feel burdensome. But in observing them, there is great freedom.
For example, while driving, I approach an intersection. I’m confused—should I stop or go? I can’t decide. But when the red light appears, I stop. There’s no confusion in decision-making. This is the order commandments bring.
Observing commandments is essential on three levels:
(a) They give us a sense of freedom.
(b) They are signs of relationship or covenant with God.
(c) They support our growth and maturity.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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