Holy Spirit – Teacher

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Kgs 18:41-46; PS 65:10, 11, 12-13; Mt 5:20-26
Notes: The Holy Spirit teaches us the right way – righteousness.

Right toward God.
Right toward one another.
Righteousness means ‘turn toward the other’.

Satan meant the following statement as an accusation. We hold it to be the example of divine care.

Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land (Jb 1:10).

Paul meant this statement to be an urgent reminder to always be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ (Col 2:6-8).

This divine pedagogy appears especially in the gift of the Law. God gave the Law as a “pedagogue” to lead his people towards Christ. But the Law’s powerlessness to save man deprived of the divine “likeness,” along with the growing awareness of sin that it imparts, enkindles a desire for the Holy Spirit. The lamentations of the Psalms bear witness to this. (CCC, 708)

First reading
Elijah instructs Ahab and Elijah’s assistant in how to be attentive to the Holy Spirit.

• Go up, eat and drink – today – partake of the Holy Eucharist given for you.
• Climb up and look out – constantly seek the Lord, search and discern.
• Go, look again! – never stop looking even when things are OK.
• Go and say – today – preach Christ crucified and resurrected.

Responsorial Psalm
It is right to praise you in Zion, O God.

Alleluia Verse
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses

Jesus focuses on how we treat each other. Right toward God can begin with a focus on right toward one another.
Righteousness means ‘turn toward the other’.

Jesus asks them to refactor these things:

1. Killing
2. Anger
3. Cursing

A cascade of sins.

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.

It is the Holy Spirit that teaches right relation, righteousness.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry