In this third excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount Jesus warns his followers that we must go beyond the teachings of the Ten Commandments.  "You have heard the commandment... you shall not commit murder... I say to you everyone who grows angry... will be liable to judgment."  "If you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

            Jesus takes us beyond the words of the commandments to the very heart of the law, the part that will never be abolished.  At its heart the law is about relationships.  The Old Testament set limits:  thou shalt not, etc.  The New Testament sets a different kind of challenge before us.  It is not a question of what we are required to do, it is a question of what we are capable of doing.  Seeing a brother or sister in need, we don't need to consult the law; instead, we need to do whatever it takes to help that brother or sister.  The law of Christ asks, is there something more I can do?

            Today's gospel presents some of Jesus' most radical teaching.  The Lord reminds us that nothing is more important than the kingdom of God.  We find our way into the kingdom by living the Lord's law of love for one another.

Congratulations, St. Hilary, last year at this time, the Cardinal made us an offer we couldn't refuse.  He offered to match, and return to the parish, dollar for dollar, every dollar we raised for the Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal.  You stepped up to the plate and hit a home run- $109,227 was pledged to the appeal.  Of that amount, $101,525 has already been paid, and we have received $179,356 from the archdiocese to retire our debt.  The final distribution of funds paid will be next month.  Again, congratulations for a job well done!

            Next week will be the kickoff for this year's Annual Catholic Appeal.  No matching for us this year, but I pray that you will still make a special effort to be generous to the appeal.  More parishes need help this year, as well as the many other important ministries sustained by this collection.  When you receive your letter from the Cardinal, or make your pledge in church, please remember how we were blessed.  Let us in turn be a blessing for others! 

Please remember to mark your pledge from St. Hilary Parish.  Whatever we raise above this year’s goal of $33,444, will be returned to the parish.