Our readings for this Sunday may appear very hard. We don’t like anyone telling us how to behave. Our Psalmist reminds us that those who follow the law of the Lord are blessed. Laws are written to keep order in our society. Law restricts us to live within the bounds of human society so that one person’s individual actions do not impinge on another’s. Speed limits and stop signs are simple examples of this. Following those laws ensures safe driving for all who use the roads. Lacking such laws would make it risky to step out of the house.
Jesus expects his followers to go beyond the minimum standards set by the law. Think about how you felt the last time someone courteously gave way to you at a four-way stop. That simple gesture goes beyond the requirements of law. So should all of our actions.
