A story is told of two thieves who went to steal a goat. They made a strategy. The first carried the other on his shoulder as they entered the house. Upon reaching the place where the goat was tied up, the one carrying his friend knelt down to let him untie the goat and bind its legs to put it on the top of his own shoulder. They managed to steal the goat and escape. But then, they were caught among the suspects. To prove that they didn’t steal, they had to swear by their acts before dipping their hands in a magical boiling water that could burn them if they lied and so serve as proof for discovering who the real thief was. The one who was on the shoulder swore by his feet, saying, “If I even dashed my foot in that house, may my hand be destroyed in this boiling water.” Then he put his hand in the boiling water, and it came out unharmed. The one who was carrying his friend said, “if ever I touched the goat or even the rope that tied it, may my hand get destroyed in this boiling water.” He then dipped his hand in the boiling water and came out unhurt. The bottom line is that none of them was caught. They were able to escape from the magical test because the first didn’t walk into the room, and the other did not touch the animal. However, they are still thieves. That is also how laws can easily be manipulated.

“The Law” of Moises and “the Prophets” have been transmitted to several generations in written and oral forms. Because of those mediums of transmission, they might have been mixed up with unhealthy traditions and practices that served not to obey the law but to find a way to circumvent it. That is why, in today’s Gospel, Jesus is interpreting the Law and the Prophets not to destroy them but in order to purify them and restore their original meaning, i.e., to fulfill them. In doing so, Jesus unveiled the famous difference between the “Letter of the law” and “the Spirit of the Law.” In very simple words, “the Letter of the law” can be described as the literal observance of the law, whereas the “spirit of the law” refers to the capacity to obey the law while having in mind its ultimate purpose and meaning. The letter of the law is always stated and obvious, and the spirit of the law is intended and subtle. That is why every law needs proper interpretation, and the principle for interpreting the Divine Law is the love of God that must prevail in observing that law.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to observe the spirit behind the law of Moises and the writings of the Prophets than merely following the literal reading of the words contained in them. Jesus mentioned some instances where we should follow the spirit of the law.

First, “You have heard that it was said to our people in the past: 'Do not commit murder; anyone who does kill will have to face trial.'” The spirit of the law in this commandment is that you should not even get angry at your brother or sister because this could lead to killing. This law is directed toward the respect of life. Genuine respect for life starts by eradicating all kinds of offenses, hate, and vengeance. To avoid all of these, one must frequently ask for forgiveness and reconcile with their brothers and sisters. If you remember that your brother has something against you, go at once and make peace with him. In this, you will avoid killing, and love will prevail. It is disheartening to see how people are unaware of the “murder” they are perpetrating in society because of their irresponsible choices and actions. Those committing or involved in abortion, Euthanasia, suicide, or the use of drugs and other dangerous substances, may not be liable under the civil law against murder. However, they are still liable in the eyes of God, who sees what is in the heart.

Second, about adultery and divorce.  “You shall not commit adultery.” The spirit of this law points not only to the single act of adultery but ultimately to the chastity of the body. Chastity of the body starts by taming and purifying one’s intentions, thoughts, and relationships. Adultery starts with lust, looking, hearing, craving, etc. It happens to abstain from adultery simply because of fear of being discovered while actively engaging in adultery in the heart. While refraining from committing adultery is commendable, it is detrimental if the heart is full of it. Jesus is not saying that the act of adultery and adultery in the heart is the same thing. The act of adultery is far worse than adultery in the heart, yet they are both sins. If genuine love is what unites married couples, there would be no adultery and no divorce at all.

Last, “Do not break your oath; an oath sworn to the Lord must be kept.” This law could be very easy to break if it is followed by its mere letter because people would swear by their country, parents, wives, and children… forgetting that these, too, belong to God. The spirit behind this law is the love of truth. A person who loves truth says the truth. He does not need to swear because the truth does not need proof.

Let’s meditate! How are you circumventing the law of God in your life? Are you merely following the letter of the Law or the spirit behind God’s commandments? What effort are you making to align your heart to the will of God contained in His ten commandments? Remember that God looks at what is in your heart.