Jesus was not only an inspiring and beloved figure in His time, but He was also a misunderstood one. In today’s Gospel, Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” This was one of the Jews’ misconceptions about Him. They thought that He was changing the laws when He was actually fulfilling them.

Most, if not all, of us have experienced being misunderstood. Sometimes when we extend our help, but when things go wrong, they put the blame on us, or worse, they think we are the bad guy. There are also times when we try to fix something and we are the ones who end up getting hurt. Have you ever experienced this?

Jesus clearly and explicitly spoke the truth, but the Jews did not believe Him. Instead, He was accused, insulted, and crucified. A similar scenario happened with my aunt. She is a helpful and compassionate woman who is often the “go-to neighbor” when one is in need. She would even lend them money even when she does not know whether the borrower could pay her back. One time, despite her helping, her debtors got angry with her and even threatened her family when she reminded them of their loan. This escalated into a legal dispute which, luckily, was resolved in my aunt’s favor. My aunt even forgave her debtors when they apologized to her.

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors. He placed no conditions. He loved even when He was misunderstood, even when He was humiliated. Jesus chose to forgive. My aunt’s example is a testament to Jesus’ teachings. As Christians, we should always choose the better part and love and forgive as Jesus did, even when we are misunderstood, even when we are wronged.

By: Sem. Eric Yabut

Today’s Gospel

Mt 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”