Israel's Law - or teaching as it should be translated - was not viewed as a burden by its people but a joy. Observing the Law bound them together as a people and strengthened their covenant with God. Deuteronomy insists that a group of people walking in God's ways and calling upon their God is a powerful witness. Theological arguments seldom convince others but spiritual, upright lives cannot be refuted. When we walk in God's ways it is not only for ourselves but for others.

Many early Christians assumed that all of the talk of freedom in the spirit meant that they could do whatever they wanted - no rules! Others looked down on Jewish traditions and assumed that they were no longer of any use. But once again, living according to a divine ethical code and engaging in communal worship is how we demonstrate our faith relationship with God. In Matthew's Gospel Jesus insists that he has not come to abolish any part of the Law - in fact, he is going to 'raise the bar' in many ways. He challenges his followers to outdo the religious 'specialists' of all times and places who claim to be preeminent in virtue and holiness. Commitment and fidelity to one's spirituality and to the ways of God is something that will never be out of date. Let us recommit ourselves joyfully to our spiritual journey.