Two-parter

"[W]hoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Mt 5:19

Moses is giving serious warnings to Israel as they prepare to enter the Holy Land. He gives them the Lord's command and tells them to observe the Law carefully. But wait, there's more! Besides following the rules, there's a second part to this directive (emphasis added):

However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but make them known to your children and to your children's children (Dt 4:9).

In today's Gospel, Jesus also shows a connection between "obey" and "teach" (emphasis added):

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 (Mt 5:19).

As followers of Jesus, we must also teach others about Him, either by our words or our example. The salvation of others and ourselves depends on this two-parter.

Prayer: Merciful Savior, help me to be mindful of the example I give to others, especially those who do not know You yet.

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