In the first reading at Mass today, we heard part of the Ten Commandments. How do I see the Ten Commandments today? Do you see the ten commandments as a list of dos and don’ts?
Do you think about them with adult eyes, or do you still see them with childhood eyes?
We are called to see the commandments as a way of life, something we need in daily life that will help us feel a closer connection to God. Seeing the commandments in this light would make a huge difference as they help to shape a community.
In Deuteronomy 4:6, we read how the laws of Israel were designed to function in shaping the nation as a community that would be a witness to the world: “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
God helps us in many different ways to live a moral life. One way He does this is by giving us laws to guide our actions. The Ten Commandments are laws that God has revealed to us. Heeding the guidance God gives us in the Commandments will help us know how to serve God and how we should live with each other.
Could you imagine a community of people without laws, rules, and regulations? Let’s take, for instance, the importance of traffic signs. We all commute regularly, and there’s no doubt that sometimes we experience construction signs along our route. Traffic signs are utilized as a method of warning and guiding drivers, helping to regulate the flow of traffic among vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, and others who travel the streets, highways, and other roadways. All road traffic signs, construction signs, and parking lot signs are intended to convey a clear yet simple message. Could you imagine living in a big city like New York, LA, Detroit, Chicago, etc., with no traffic signs?
The signs are always prominent enough to command attention and placed in a manner that gives drivers adequate time to respond to the command for a reason. Traffic signs and road signs also use consistent shapes, colors, and symbols to keep a consistent message for a reason.
Not following the traffic signs will cause confusion and traffic. Each state has penalties for traffic violations. There is a reason for this.
So, also, there is a penalty for not following the commandments of God, summarized as a love of God and love of a neighbor.
In a metaphorical way, Jesus says those that follow and obey the commandments will be separated from those who do not obey the commandments of God, as a farmer separates sheep from goats.
Which one are you, with the sheep group or the goat group?
The “sheep group” are those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, welcome strangers, etc.
Those who belong to the “goat group” are those who do not lift a finger to help others. They are indifferent to the plight of others, and their response to people’s needs is inaction. This is also called the “do nothing group.” The story of the rich man in the story about Lazarus in the gospel of Luke 16:19-31 comes to mind.
Lent is a renewed call to belong to the “Sheep group.” To keep our eye on the prize!
Have a blessed week
