Which to Follow

Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19

Today's Gospel portion fills us with confusion, for here Jesus tells us to obey even the smallest portion of the law and teach others to do so until all is fulfilled.  Yet, Jesus himself does not follow this advice.  He violates the law in performing work on the Sabbath and in not maintaining purity codes.  He defends his disciples when they pluck grain on the Sabbath from those who would see this as a violation of the law as well.  

Moreover, just when is it that all will be fulfilled? Many will say that is at the death and resurrection of Jesus, at which point we are released from obligations to the Law.  Yet, Jesus' disciples did not come to that conclusion until much later.  In addition, we hear others say all is not yet fulfilled until the end of time, using that as a way of compelling us to follow the laws the Church now imposes as the replacement of Israel.  

As in all things, mercy and care for others are the primary law.  That is the law Jesus followed in all things.  That is the example he provided in his life.  So, rather than get mired in unimportant controversies about law and theologies that only seek control over others, it is always more important to live a life of mercy, care, and love for others as Jesus did in his life.