In today's Catholic Daily Reflection ("Loving Beyond Legalism"), two paragraphs stand out to me most importantly.
This is an important reminder, to me, that I'm to look beyond the "Laws" or legalism of what I've been called and committed to do. Yes, it's important that I follow the Church's laws and Precepts. But I must also at the same time look beyond those things into what and why I'm called to do, what I do.
For example, when I discuss with others the forgiving of others, I'm often reminded by them that we're obligated and MUST (as a command) as Christians to forgive and not hold onto animosity or seek revenge. And this Gospel Reflection tells me the WHY of precisely to do, what I'm called to do. I suppose I could better call this a "Law", a Law of Charity, called to recognize the mercy which I've received from God and extend His mercy to others as an instrument of that same mercy.
Quote:"When we refrain from gossip, it’s not merely to follow a rule, but a recognition of Christ’s presence in others. When we make time for prayer, it’s not to satisfy an obligation, but to nurture the relationship at the center of our existence. When we choose to forgive, it’s not because forgiveness is commanded, but because we’ve experienced God’s mercy and long to extend it to others."
"This principle extends to every one of Christ’s teachings and precepts faithfully handed down by the Church. We are called to obey not for the sake of obedience alone, but to receive the Divine Mercy that flows from Christ’s Word and to become instruments of that mercy for others."
This is an important reminder, to me, that I'm to look beyond the "Laws" or legalism of what I've been called and committed to do. Yes, it's important that I follow the Church's laws and Precepts. But I must also at the same time look beyond those things into what and why I'm called to do, what I do.
For example, when I discuss with others the forgiving of others, I'm often reminded by them that we're obligated and MUST (as a command) as Christians to forgive and not hold onto animosity or seek revenge. And this Gospel Reflection tells me the WHY of precisely to do, what I'm called to do. I suppose I could better call this a "Law", a Law of Charity, called to recognize the mercy which I've received from God and extend His mercy to others as an instrument of that same mercy.