6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

by Dcn. Gary Johnson  |  02/14/2026  |  Gospel Reflections

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20–22

The scribes and Pharisees were masters of the Old Law. Now that the Messiah had arrived, they were unwilling to go deeper and move beyond the Old Testament teachings that they often misrepresented. They preferred their approach to morality that had been with them for centuries. They did not want to change.

Today’s Gospel continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus teaches us about anger, adultery and false oaths. In every case Jesus refers to the Law as it was taught in the Old Testament but then elevates it to an entirely new level.

Jesus begins by recalling the Old Testament commandment, “You shall not kill.” Jesus then takes that commandment further by saying that “whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Jesus explains that the interior attitude of anger, if not acted upon, is a sin.

Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” The problem with the scribes and Pharisees is not that they failed to teach the Old Testament Law properly, but that the Messiah has arrived and has ushered in a new time of fulfillment and righteousness. They were not willing to grow in holiness and embrace the fulfillment of all that had been taught before.

Today, reflect upon the calling given to you by our Lord’s new and glorious teachings. If you are to truly embrace the Gospel of our Lord and live in His New Law of grace, then you must be willing to go deep, become truly formed in your faith, and allow God to transform every part of your life.