Your righteousness.

“I tell you unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” (MT 5: 20)

The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was legal, based on the law, and very detailed. Our Lord came to bring us the “new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” We can practice all the rules of our religion without any concern to love more my spouse or our kids. We can be very pious in the church and very rude on the street or aggressive at home. We remember that we will be recognized for the fruits we bring. If there is no love expressed by respect, gentleness, and gift of self, we should escape from the spirituality we practice; there is something wrong.

“I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” (Gospel Acclamation)