Moses gave us the Ten Commandments. He also expanded upon those original ten to include specific instructions for many day-to-day activities. Thus, you have the other statues and decrees spoken of in the first reading.

We are to live by them, but they are a challenge. And except for the original ten, they are man-made. It is good to have these laws and statutes but being man-made they by nature are imperfect. Only God is perfect.

Jesus comes to fulfill the law, not abolish it. For example, think of His teachings on murder, divorce, and loving your neighbor. He expanded the teachings on these as only God can.

He fulfilled the intent of the law. He takes the law to mean more than just some punishing or disciplinary action but to be an act of love. We want to obey His statutes and commands out of love.

An act of love is far more powerful. It is also an act of kindness and forgiveness. As we learn to love as Jesus, we discover ourselves to become fulfilled. As we fulfill the statutes and commandments, we also become perfected.

What is lacking in us is completed by Jesus. We become perfect as our Father is perfect. Your acts or deeds today, how will they impact others?

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen