Sixth Sunday after Trinity AD 2024
Jesus says: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” We cannot argue with Jesus or soften His words in any way. If our righteousness does not exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, we have no hope of eternal life.
To properly understand Jesus’ words, it is necessary to find answers to two questions; firstly, what is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, and secondly, what kind of righteousness is required from us?
The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is a by-the-book righteousness. It doesn’t matter what our heart’s attitude is, it is just important that everything is correct externally, legally and formally.
Such a righteousness cannot necessarily be called wrong, but it is not enough. We know that in the Holy Scriptures the relationship between God and His people is compared to the marriage of a man and a woman and the relationship between parents and children. A marriage in which all legal obligations are fulfilled is not necessarily bad, but could anyone be truly happy in such a marriage if the obligations were not accompanied (or rather preceded) by sincere and devoted love?
It is the same with the relationship between children and parents. It is not enough to just obey the law; we need sincere trust, caring for each other, being open to accept each other and staying by the other’s side in both good and bad times.
Surely God does not mind if people obey His Law. But that is not enough: God wants our heart; He wants our love. God does not need us, but in the fullness of His love He wants us to share in it – by loving Him and our neighbors.
This is the righteousness that God expects from us, the righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees. First of all, it is a sharing in the righteousness of Christ, in the redemption and reconciliation in His holy and precious blood. From the righteousness of Christ must spring our righteousness: a new life in mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation and sincere love.