SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS
SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
FIRST READING: Sirach 15:15-20
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:17-37
Here is my reflection for today.
The book of Sirach tells us how God gave human beings free will and are responsible for the choices they make in life.
It says that God has placed before human beings life and death; good and evil and that we are free to choose whether to keep God's commandments or not.
If we choose to be obedient to him, it will lead to life, and if we choose sin instead, it will lead to destruction.
Because God sees everything and nothing is hidden from Him.
Though He (God) gives us freedom, but we are responsible for our decisions we make. He does not force anyone to do good or evil.
The Gospel of Matthew 5:17-37 is telling us part of the sermon on the Mount spoken by Jesus Christ.
The main message here is that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill and deepen it.
What it says is that Jesus fulfills the Law. He did not come to destroy the law of Moses but to complete it and not even the smallest part of the law will disappear.
Secondly, He says Righteousness must go deeper. Our righteousness must go beyond that of the Scribes and Pharisees.
Thirdly, He talks about anger: It's says here that it's not only murder that is wrong, that even anger and insulting others can bring judgement upon us.
Fourthly, He talks about Adultery. That adultery is not only doing the physical act, but also even looking at someone lustfully is sinful.
Fifthly, He talks about divorce. That divorce is not encouraged except in serious cases.
Lastly, Jesus told us in this passage not to swear unnecessary oaths. That we should simply say Yes or No and mean what we say.
The main idea in this word of God is that, true obedience is not just shown in external actions, but having purity of heart.
The book of Sirach emphasizes on free will and responsibility, while the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes on deep moral commitment from the heart.
UGOCHUKWUNYEREM ANYANWU
Who else notice say d 1st reading no use force….
E say, if you like o, keep d commandment, but e go save u!
See na dis style of choice God take give me and you “freewill”, freewill wey get kwansikwensis…
Dis reading remind me about d book wey I read years back. “As you lay your bed”. Oyibo man come finish am say “as you lay your bed, na so you go lie on top am”.
Na wisdom we need to choose wetin go benefit us. Na wisdom wey come from God we need so dat we go fit choose life…
Na dis same wisdom go help us
1. keep d law
2. no waka kurukere
3. undastand how we go take folo d teaching
4. open eye like fish, make evil pipul no deceive us.
5. trust and obey.
Today, God abeg help me wit wisdom wey only You fit give, so dat I go fit make only choice wey go sweet You.
Amen.
EGUJIE ANONE CYNTHIA
My Reflection
The First Reading from the Book of Sirach teaches that God has given every person the freedom to choose between good and evil. Faithfulness to God is not forced. It is a conscious decision to walk in His ways and keep His commandments.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul in the First Letter to the Corinthians explains that God’s wisdom is deeper than human understanding. True wisdom comes from the Spirit and is revealed to those who love God and live according to His will.
In the Gospel from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that righteousness is not only about external obedience to the law but about inner transformation. He calls His followers to purity of heart, sincerity, faithfulness, and a life that reflects God’s holiness from within.
These readings remind us that faith is both a gift and a responsibility. God respects our freedom and invites us to choose what leads to life. True holiness is not merely following rules outwardly but allowing God’s wisdom to shape our thoughts, words, and actions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live with integrity-choosing good even when it is difficult, seeking God’s wisdom above worldly understanding, and allowing our hearts to be transformed by His grace. When we choose God daily, our lives become a testimony of His truth and love.
May God continue to direct us and grant us his wisdom and love.
IGBINAZAKA ANGELA
Todays gospel reading strikes harder with the celebration of Valentine’s Day that comes with a lot of cravings to dine and wine excessively especially to impress or intimidate others. Christ teaches that the thought of committing a sin is as grave as the sin itself.
Hence I started cautioning myself on the many times my small brain starts going south when it’s supposed to be at the West Point. Desires that are selfish and lustful thinking which occupies my mind are indications of a sinful nature I am been admonished against.
Again I am reminded to stick to my words without justifying them by swearing by my head or by heaven or earth, as they profane God. Let my Yes be Yes and my No be No.
ITOHAN MERCY UMOLE
God's commandments are meant to guide us, not to make us feel burdened. We need to always remember them to avoid sin.
However, these days many people practice christianity to suit their purpose; they interprete God's word to suit their evil acts.
Let us remember God's commandments and the deep meanings surrounding them. That way, we are sure to be better Christians.
May the Lord bless His word in our hearts 🙏
