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Gospel Reading for June 13, 2024 – Matthew 5: 20-26
SINCERELY
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
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Even if we memorize and follow all the commandments, if we follow just for show or to fulfill an obligation, the way the scribes and Pharisees did, we are not guaranteed to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Since the commandments were given so we may be able to live happy, fruitful and peaceful lives, as God meant our lives to be, we have to LIVE THEM, and in order to LIVE THEM, we need to follow them SINCERELY, with our hearts.
Let us ponder on this popular song written in 1969 by Shannon, Holiday and Myers, PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART –
Think of your fellow man,
lend him a helping hand.
Put a little love in your heart.
You see it’s getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate.
Put a little love in your heart.
And the world will be a better place,
And the world will be a better place
for you and me.
You just wait and see.
Another day goes by
still the children cry.
Put a little love in your heart.
If you want the world to know
we won’t let hatred grow,
Put a little love in your heart.
And the world will be a better place
All the world will be a better place
for you and me.
You just wait and see.
Take a good look around
and if you’re looking down.
Put a little love in your heart.
I hope when you decide
kindness will be your guide.
Put a little love in your heart.
And the world will be a better place
All the world will be a better place
for you and me.
You just wait and see.
People now, put a little love in your heart
Each and every day,
put a little love in your heart.
There’s no other way,
put a little love in your heart
It’s up to you,
put a little love in your heart
Come on and
put a little love in your heart.
You’ve got to
put a little love in your heart!
