The Sermon on the Mount continues as the focus of the Gospel readings during Winter Ordinary Time, and today’s passage from Matthew chapter 5 contains some of the most challenging verses in the Gospel. Before turning to that teaching, however, let’s consider the other readings.
The First Reading comes from the Book of Sirach, also known by its Latin title Ecclesiasticus, or “Church Book,” so called because the early Church made extensive use of this wisdom text in moral instruction for catechumens and the faithful. Sirach reflects powerfully on moral freedom:
If you choose, you can keep the commandments; they will save you. Before you are life and death, good and evil; whichever you choose shall be given you.
Freedom of the will is one of God’s greatest gifts. God places before us the choice between good and evil and invites us to choose life. What is equally clear is that God does not choose sin or injustice on our behalf. The responsibility for our moral choices rests with us.
The Second Reading continues from Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Writing to a Christian community surrounded by moral confusion, Paul reminds them that true wisdom does not come from the world, but from God:
What eye has not seen and ear has not heard… what God has prepared for those who love him, God has revealed through the Spirit.
This reading complements Sirach beautifully. If the First Reading emphasizes our freedom to choose, the Second reminds us that God does not leave us unassisted. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, God prepares us to live according to divine wisdom rather than worldly standards.
Together, these readings lead us into today’s Gospel. Jesus makes it clear that he has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He then calls his disciples to a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees – not through legal technicalities, but through holiness of heart.
Jesus’ striking examples – equating anger with murder and lust with adultery – may sound harsh to modern ears. Yet Matthew presents these teachings to a Jewish Christian community still shaped by strict legal interpretation. Jesus’ strong language is meant to awaken his listeners to the truth that holiness requires more than outward observance. It calls for an interior conversion, where the heart itself is transformed by God’s grace.
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Be My Protector, O God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #51
The antiphon text is from Psalm 31, a plea for God’s strength and protection. “For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.”
Entrance Chant All Creatures of Our God and King (Traditional; arr. by Rick Modlin)
Spirit & Song #203
Lent begins this Wednesday, so this is our final Sunday in Winter Ordinary Time. Let’s be sure to sing “Alleluia” on this day, before we retire that praise word for six weeks.
Responsorial Psalm Blessed Are They Who Follow the Law of the Lord (Josh Blakesley)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 86
Josh Blakesley’s verbatim setting of Psalm 119 has an arresting rhythmic appeal.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 88
Curtis Stephan’s Mass of Renewal is a popular Mass setting that bridges contemporary and traditional repertoire. The acclamation verse helps us focus on today’s Gospel message.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts I Will Choose Christ (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #220; Never Too Young #261; Breaking Bread #514
The First Reading from Sirach invites us to choose between good and evil. Choose Christ!
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon God So Loved the World That He Gave His Only Begotten Son [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #53
Antiphon Option 2 is the iconic John 3:16, a Gospel passage that needs to be proclaimed and sung often.
Communion Chant God So Loved (Ken Canedo)
Breaking Bread #151
This choral anthem setting complements the Communion Antiphon text in a simple yet powerful way.
Sending Forth Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise (Timothy R. Smith)
Spirit & Song #178
Let us go forth from this final Sunday before Lent by joyfully singing Alleluia!
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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