I t is difficult to remember all that he said that day. His teachings were like fine wine, not easily appreciated by those with an undiscriminating palate, yet eloquent in simplicity, bold and penetrating in scope. While all that he said that day escapes my memory, here are some things that lodged in my heart . . .

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law . . . or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish them but to accomplish their purpose.”

It had never occurred to me that he had come to abolish the Law. Why would he say that? He wanted us to understand that a new day had finally come. All that the Law and the Prophets could not do in bringing about reconciliation with God, he could do. The relentless demands, the inexorable requirements handed to us through Moses were accomplished — satisfied — in him. He is the only one who could have done that.

“I tell you that your performance at keeping the law does not determine your reward in heaven.”

What? Can this be true? For what then are we rewarded? Isn’t the keeping of the Law of God a requisite for heaven? If not the Law, by what then can one’s life on earth be measured?

“Your righteousness must be all surpassing, exceeding even that of the religious authorities and the teachers of the law. If this condition is not met, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven at all.”

There, you see? Back on track. But how can this be done? All know the rabbis and lawyers, scribes, Pharisees, the Sadducees, too — these are all men of great piety. How can a common man, a man who must truck with commerce, a man of the world, a man of passion, how can such a man exceed the righteousness of these religious practitioners? We are all doomed! He continued . . .

“But righteousness is not a matter of how you act or how you conduct your lives. No one has ever succeeded in keeping the Law. None of you ever will. These self-righteous legalists are therefore, hypocrites. They like to make you think they are keeping the Law, but they are not. You won’t either, but the intents of the heart reflect the righteousness of the heart. And that is what the Father looks upon.”

A matter of the heart? If in our heart we thirst for righteousness? If in our heart we seek intimacy with God . . ? I had never thought of it quite that way. It isn’t so much what I do that should draw my attention, it is who I am. Maybe what I am. If I lie, it is because I am a liar. It is in my character. It is in my heart to lie. But if in my heart I hunger to be righteous and good, perhaps that pleases God and perhaps, I may lie less.

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