The need to adapt our customs and laws to changing situations is not a modern phenomenon. Jesus was faced with a similar demand when, in the Sermon on the Mount, he promulgated the laws of the newly established Kingdom of Heaven. Indeed the need to adapt even religious law to changed conditions may well go back to the days of Deuteronomy as seen in to-day's first reading. According to one commentator Moses' pronouncement showed signs of a need to adjust an ancient legal system to a new situation.

Be that as it may, Jesus worked within a law, the Law, which the Israelites treasured as coming from God. They regarded it as a personal gift from God with whom they had made a covenant of love. They would have thought long and hard before changing it or tinkering with it even in very changed circumstances.

Jesus too had a great respect for the Law. When He changed the Law His sole concern was to deepen it or strengthen it when a lack of honesty or integrity threatened its observance. He wanted to bring out its fullest meaning and so, at times, He did not hesitate to clarify or even increase its demands on His people. He introduced the demands of love into the Law and along with love an intelligent understanding of the Law. In this way He made the Law a better, more flexible way of making the world a more loving place. If we can unite mind and heart in our approach to God's Law it will become a wonderful way to renew the world.