Scripture Reflection, February 15, 2026, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sirach 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37

The gospel for today, Matthew 5:17- 37, is quite long. The second and longer portion of the gospel, which is offered as a stand alone option, includes the portion of Matthew’s gospel that elaborates on the commandments. Jesus quotes some of the Ten Commandments, "You shall not kill, “ then adds "But I say to you, “whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment… “

But before discussing the individual commandments, Jesus tells his disciples "whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.“ Are you aware of how you “teach" the commandments?

I was reminded, when I became an Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, that all of us are preachers…not just the vowed members of the Order of Preachers. We all preach with our lives.

A number of years ago when my daughter was old enough to move out on her own, I laid down a little mother guilt! “I suppose now that you don’t live here, I'll never see you,” I said. “Don't worry,” she offered, “Once a week I'll come and take you to lunch and we’ll go out for Chinese. "

I was flabbergasted. I don't remember ever giving her a lecture about the fourth commandment, "Honor your father and mother. “ Instead she saw me taking her grandmother out to lunch every week. Everyone, not just our children, watch how we live our lives better than they listen to our lectures.

With those wise words in mind, it behooves us to look at the commandments as Jesus elaborates them in the rest of the gospel. You shall not kill becomes "Whoever is angry with his brother/sister will be liable to judgment.” As we look at each of the commandments in this deeper, more thoughtful, Spirit-infused way, we become the kind of disciples whose lives more effectively mirror God’s will and the example of Jesus.

This week in preparation for Lent, it might be good to take a deeper look at the teaching of Jesus and the preaching we do with our lives.

Pray about it, as will I. We’ll know what to do.

by: Pat Schnee, OPA