It is 18th March 2020. We celebrate the memorial of Cyril of Jerusalem. The readings are from Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; and the Gospel from Matthew 5:17-19. Our blessings and healing are guaranteed by the adherence to the command of God. Wisdom and understanding comes by following the law of the Lord. “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good.” (Rom 7:7,12). It is nearly impossible to be charitable without comprehending the law of God. Moreover, we have a God who cares and protects. “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?” (Deut.4:7). The guidelines that are given by God need to be taken seriously in our life so as to love God and the other. “Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.” (Ps.119:129). The first reading reminds the importance of the Law and its impact on our life. When we love God, following and obeying do not burden our souls. “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Rom 13:8). God expects us to be obedient to the Law. Our obedience to the law of God is the proof we still love God. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.” (Ps.147:12a). The Gospel teaches us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. Jesus demonstrated a pattern of following the law of God and to oppose meaningless and burdensome laws that curtailed the freedom and liberty to relate and love God and one another. All along during the ministry, Jesus was blamed for not following the laws of the elders by those who taught the laws and never attempted to practice. “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” (James 1:22). It is not merely we know the laws but our deep love for the Lord is seen in following them. “For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.” (Rom 7:21-23). Yes, there is a challenge for all of us to obey the law. To be blessed, healed and endowed with wisdom and understanding, we need to revisit our position in our life to follow the Lord. “But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.5:19). May you all have a blessed day. God bless you and be safe.