Newsletter Sunday February 15th, 2026 / Sixth Sunday in Ordinary

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount, addressing a question many of his listeners probably had: Is he doing away with the Old Testament laws? 

His answer is a resounding “No.” In fact, he tells them he has come to fulfil them. But then he challenges his followers with a striking requirement: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). 

How can our righteousness surpass those who spent their lives studying and obeying the Law? The secret lies in moving from the letter of the law to the spirit of the law—from outward compliance to inward transformation. 

Beyond “Just Following Rules”
Jesus takes several commandments and raises the bar:

· Not just murder, but anger: The law says not to kill, but Jesus says do not nurse anger or treat others with contempt.

· Not just adultery, but lust: The law prohibits adultery, but Jesus calls us to purity of heart and thought.

· Not just false oaths, but integrity: He asks us to let our “Yes” mean “Yes,” ensuring our words are truthful and not in need of swearing to prove them. 

· The “Why” Behind the Commandment
The Pharisees were often focused on the bare minimum required to stay in good standing. Jesus asks us to look at the intention behind our actions. It is easy to not kill someone; it is much harder to forgive them. It is easy to avoid a

       scandalous act; it is harder to maintain purity of heart. 

Jesus is asking for a change of heart, not just a change of behaviour.

He invites us to have a heart that beats with love, mercy, and compassion, just like his.