As if it were not enough that Jesus places exacting expectations on his followers with regard to their words and behaviours… in today’s reading (Matt 5:21-37) Jesus goes still deeper with concern for intent, desire and integrity in his followers.
It might be easy to hear these words as a kind of judgement over parts of our life that we often seem to have limited control over. It is better to understand that Jesus wants the liberating grace of the Kingdom of God to be not simply about behaviour modification, but also heart transformation.
As we give ourselves to the Grace of God… our intent and desire does shift. We have opportunity to be more fully integrated and to be people of integrity. This has the power to deeply impact the world around us for good!
