Homily: From Obedience to Transformation

The Christian life can seem difficult at first, but Christ does more than command holiness—He heals the heart. Reflecting on St. John Chrysostom's homily on Matthew 5, this sermon shows how the Holy Spirit gradually reshapes our desires so that virtue becomes joyful and love becomes natural. Christ fulfills the Law not only in Himself but also, by His grace, in us.  Enjoy the show!

---

The Sunday of the Fourth Ecumenical Council

Matthew 5:14-19; Titus 3:8-15

In today's Gospel, our Lord says something that must have surprised His listeners.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them."

Now, at first glance, that almost seems unnecessary. Nobody listening to the Beatitudes would naturally conclude that Jesus was attacking Moses. After all, He had been teaching humility, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and love. Nothing about that sounds like rebellion against God's Law.

So why does He stop to say this?

Saint John Chrysostom says it is because Jesus knows what He is about to do.

He's about to say things that sound startling.

"You have heard it said, 'Do not murder.' But I say to you, do not even harbor hatred."

"You have heard it said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say to you, do not even cultivate lust."