to them. Under the same figure our Lord taught them that they could not give light of themselves, but that He would kindle the light in them. Their light was borrowed light, but they must let this light shine through them in such a way as to make themselves models for the whole world by their words and deeds.
Apostolic zeal. By both figures our Lord signified that the apostles must be entirely devoted to their high calling. Even as salt imparts its savour by being itself dissolved, and light can only give light by being consumed, so were the apostles to devote their bodies and souls entirely to their vocation. They were to be consumed, and, if necessary, to give up their lives for the conversion of the world.
Application. You too ought to be a light to your brothers and sisters and comrades. Do you give them a good example? Do you urge them to do what is right, and warn them against what is evil? Have you ever given scandal?
3. The true justice of the New Law.
Then, addressing the multitude, He said: “Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets[1]. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil[2].
“I tell you that, unless your justice abound more[3] than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to them of old[4]: Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment[5]. But I say to you that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever
- ↑ Prophets, i. e. the things taught by the law and the prophets.
- ↑ To fulfil. This is to be understood in a twofold manner. Firstly, Jesus, the Institutor of the New Covenant, came to lead men to a perfect observance of the commandments first given by God in the Old Law, and re-impressed on the people by the prophets. Secondly, Jesus fulfilled every type in the Old Law, and every prophecy relating to the Messias which the prophets had uttered.
- ↑ Abound more. The Pharisees and Scribes passed among the Jews for being the most exact observers of the law; but now Jesus said that, if any wished to enter the kingdom of heaven, their justice must be of a much more perfect kind than that of the Scribes and Pharisees. And then our Lord proceeded to give examples in what way their observance of the law was to be more perfect.
- ↑ Them of old. i. e. to the people of the Old Testament.
- ↑ Judgment. He shall be judged by the court of justice of his own district.
