When we meditate on the first reading we realize that it is out of great love that God has given the Ten Commandments for us to follow. Observing the commandments can be challenging or rather difficult sometimes, yet they are the directives, norms and precepts for a smooth journey of life.

Just like road rules guide us safely to our destination, the commandments too instruct us to follow the correct path of life. Therefore the commandments cannot be burdensome or hectic for us but, we have to follow them as a travelers map to guide and rule our heart.

It is God’s deep love that has set the law before us. Now, we have a choice for life and death, to choose from. Therefore it is for our own good and benefit that we are obliged to follow them.

The responsorial psalm and the second reading further express the wisdom relating to the law of God and the blessedness in following the law of God.

How much more should we concentrate and focus on the law of God as the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Do not think I have come to abolish the law or the prophets, I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (Mt 5:17-18). Therefore we can rest assured that it is vital to follow the law of God, the Ten Commandments or the “Decalogue”.

Hence teaching and obeying these commandments pave the way for one to be called greatest in the kingdom. Therefore we cannot simply ignore or do away with a single commandment, but strive to follow them diligently.

However the Lord Jesus Christ has brought the commandments to fulfillment or perfection through his life and we are also called to do the same. Whereas the law instructed that it is wrong to commit adultery, Jesus went further and said that it is wrong to even look at a woman with lust, elevating the standard or the level of expectation. All the commandments are brought to perfection through Jesus.

We are to be wise enough to follow them closely and live pleasing lives before God. Let us also ask for wisdom to fathom these in a deeper sense so that we will have the reverential fear to not offend God.

May we understand and grasp that breaking the law is not only unholy and displeasing to God but brings disastrous consequences as a result. As the fear of God is the fount of wisdom may we be blessed to observe the law of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Abba Father, empower us with the Holy Spirit to follow your commandments. Amen.