Daily Reflections ...

It would be fair to say that humanity has had a chequered history when it comes to keeping God’s commandments. And while much of this owes to the brokenness which we experience as a result of original sin, part of the problem, I think, is that moral laws can often be stated and restated, but without an accompanying positive explanation (see, for example, how the serpent negatively frames God’s command in Genesis 3:4-5).

Because of this, it seems important that we, as Catholics, find ways to positively communicate the ‘why’ as much as the ‘what’ about what we do, and don’t do. After all, this is closely related to Peter’s insistence that you “always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15).

This shouldn’t be as hard as it seems. The positive and practical value of laws – which are all ‘moral’ in some sense – is often self-evident; I’ve never heard anyone say that traffic lights, lane markers, and speed limits are stifling impositions on society which need to be dispensed with; everyone knows that the road rules are there to help us arrive at our destination in one piece. And not only do road rules protect us from physical harm, they also come with added benefits, such as helping us to arrive at places in a timely manner.

The same is true regarding the commandments Jesus has given us.  Yes, they are there to keep our souls safe so that we arrive at our destination, but they are also there to help us flourish in the here and now. Likewise, the Church upholds these same commandments because she, like Christ, has our best interests – here and in the hereafter – at heart.

Let’s pray for the grace to always see and present God’s commandments in a positive light, so that others can recognise the wonderful benefits of living lives in conformity with God’s will.

by Mark Makowiecki