In this way, Jesus teaches us that sin is not only an external act—it begins within. Before there is violence in the streets, there is hostility in the soul. Before there is betrayal in relationships, there is unfaithfulness in the heart. Before there are broken communities, there are hardened attitudes. The Gospel reminds us that the battleground of holiness is first within us.

The Christian life, then, is not merely about avoiding serious wrongdoing or appearing righteous before others. It is about allowing God to transform us from the inside out. It is about surrendering our thoughts, desires, intentions, and words to the healing grace of Christ. When the heart is purified, actions follow. When love reigns within, peace flows outward.

Jesus calls us to a righteousness that surpasses legalism—a righteousness rooted in love. Only when the law is written on our hearts does it become life-giving. Only when we allow Christ to shape our interior life do we truly reflect the holiness of the Kingdom.

Let us ask the Lord not only to guide our actions, but to transform our hearts. For when the heart belongs fully to God, the whole life follows.

In Christ,
Fr. Lijoy Jose, OFM Cap.
Pastor