Fulfill the Law

The Code of Canon Law is the legal construction of the Church. It gives direction to all aspects of Church life, including the rights and obligations of both the clergy and the laity. It is the modus operandi for the various functions and process of the Church, forming sort of a 'skeleton' by which the Church ministers in the real world.

The wonderful thing about Canon Law, as in any law, is that it creates an identity and maintains a vision. So we are a Church because of our beliefs and theology, and also because we have parishes, sacraments, offices, and a process by which we interact within the faith community. In what might seem like a strange comparison, Canon Law can draw us into communion with God and with others. To be sure the covenant relationship that we have with God can be likened to a legal relationship. But more importantly it is our response to our God who cares for us in love and mercy.

As "puppy-priests" we looked upon rubrics and the like as Pharisaical obstacles to taking care of the people of God. The Gospel passage today from Matthew reminds us that Jesus has no intention of eliminating the 'rules' which God has given us. Living well with each other in a community, celebrating the Liturgy and the sacraments with reverence and solemnity, and responding to the dignity and integrity of God's people, is part of that covenant relationship which we live with God, through the Paschal Mystery, and the ongoing ministry of the Church.

Jesus extols us today to recognize the importance of passing on the truths we have received with all of our members. So whether we are teaching a child to make the sign of the cross, attending a bible study, or in an RCIA program, we are maintaining and unfolding the Law of God.

We would like to believe that Jesus said we don't have to do anything anymore. We have to follow the directions and guidance of God and God's Church. Law and truth, goodness and righteousness, leads us into a way of knowing God more intimately, and fulfilling our role as disciples.