6th Sunday in Ordinary Time February 15, 2026

Readings: Sirach 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37

In today’s first reading, God presents us with two options, “life and death.” In other words, He gives us the freedom to choose: “If you wish, keep His commandments…Man has life and death before him, whichever he likes, will be given to him.” Hence, God makes it clear that whatever choice we make in life has its consequences. If we choose to obey his laws, we shall be happy. However, if we make the wrong choice, we shall reap its fruit.

In the second reading, Paul refers to the law of Christ as wisdom. In other words, obeying the commands of Christ is the wisest thing to do. This means that the law of Christ transcends and supersedes the words of men. The wisdom that comes from the Laws of God is divinely inspired, whereas the wisdom of men is mundane and limited.

Today’s gospel from Matthew has provoked much debate among biblical scholars about what Christ meant when he says: “I have not to come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.” Jesus is right when he says this. The Old Testament stands firm, fulfilled, and has reached its perfection in Christ. Christ fulfilled the Law (Torah) through the sacrifice of himself. Therefore, He is now the fullness of the Law. To obey him is to observe the Law.

Therefore, Christ’s treaty was against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the Sadducees of this present age.  This is because they interpret the law falsely to the detriment of the people. It is a treaty against fake prophets and teachers who falsely declare, “thus says the Lord,” to intimidate and exploit people. It is a treaty against those who make life difficult for others in God’s name while they have no regard for the law of Christ.

Finally, it is a treaty against the Pharisees of our time, who pay much attention to the letters of the law but neglect the Spirit of the Law. Christ came that we might have life and have it in full. He came that we might be free. He is the fullness of the Law and life. To obey him is to have life and happiness in full.

Fr. Terry