United States Conference of Secular institutes

USCSI REFLECTIONS

St. Anthony of Padua

Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus sees himself not as a threat to the law and the prophets but rather as fulfilling them. Laws are necessary as guidelines for our good.  However, Jesus knew that there is a higher law of love.  Whenever there was a conflict between the letter of the law and the law of love, Jesus always chose the loving thing.  He healed on the Sabbath, ate with prostitutes and sinners and tax collectors and touched a leper in order to heal him – all of these things forbidden by the law. Living in the Spirit of Jesus, we are subject to the law of love.