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Whatever the very words of the Lord were, "Matthew" (not the Apostle Matthew, but the author of this fragment) reproduces them within the context of the society he knew, quite other than the society where the Gospel was preached: a theocratic society of Jewish Christians who had to reorganize their Community life, because they had been expelled from the Synagogue. In this type of society, it is easy to exercise authority: the people's conduct is motivated by fear, rather than love: Fear of the imminent doomsday, fear of being persecuted by their fellow Jews or by the Roman authorities, fear of an unmerciful Judge.
Over this fearful base, the abuse of power from the top is an obvious temptation. This is the abuse Matthew condemns in the second part of today's Gospel. Today all those fears are left far, far behind; but the temptation of abuse of power returns again and again under different disguises: fear of Purgatory, so they are generous in offering stipends; fear to be caught unprepared for the Second Coming, so they behave, but where is love?
Lord, open my ears to hear the words You so often pronounced before Your Disciples: "Fear not: It is I!"
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That Christians be sensitive to the needs of everyone, without ever hiding the radical requirements of the Gospel message.
Elaboration
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