In the previous issue, we read how Jesus went about preaching, "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!" (Matthew 4:17). He instructed the disciples to do the same. The invitation to enter the Kingdom of God seemed so welcoming until Jesus announced that only those who were more faithful than the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law would be able to enter the Kingdom of God. In other words, the kind of righteousness Jesus demanded was more than what meets the eye.
At first glance, Jesus' statement about 'being more faithful than the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law' appears to be a total roadblock for those caught up in the web of sin. But then, Jesus made another startling statement while speaking to the chief priests and the elders. He said to them, "I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the Kingdom of God ahead of you. (Matthew 21:31). The question that arises is, 'How is it possible for a sinner to be more faithful than those who claim to be righteous?'
St. Paul writes... I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith. (Philippians 3:9). In writing to the Romans, he says, "By His blood we are now put right with God." (Romans 5:9). Don't forget, Paul himself was at one time a zealous Pharisee. As far as a person can be righteous by obeying the commands of the Law, he was without fault. But after encountering Christ, he realised that all his so-called righteousness was as good as the garbage. (Philippiqaans 3:8). Or as Isaiah put it so well... All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6).
There is yet another important point that St. Paul makes as far as the righteousness demanded by God is concerned. He writes... For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. (Romans 14:17). Therefore, it is clear we need the help of the Holy Spirit too. Combining all the above-mentioned verses, it becomes clear that the kind of righteousness required to enter God's Kingdom is given to us by both, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That is what Jesus meant when He said to Nicodemus, "I am telling you the truth that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5). Here, Jesus used the term 'water' because He was yet to shed His blood for our sake. Later, the 'water' would become the 'Blood'.
Being born of the water and the Spirit involves believing in Jesus. This was what the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law missed. Even Nicodemus found it difficult to accept. That is why Jesus said to him, "You do not believe me when I tell you about the things of this world; how will you ever believe me, then, when I tell you about the things of heaven?" (John 3:12). This is the problem with those who rely on the Law. They feel that 'they' have to do something to enter the Kingdom of God. And 'doing something' only fills them with spiritual pride. Even things like attending daily Mass, retreats, or prayer meetings, and doing a lot of church activities give them a false confidence that they are very godly. They even end up despising others who do not do the religious activities that they are doing.
Believing in Jesus on the other hand results in the person depending entirely on Him to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. To such a person, the Kingdom is nothing but Jesus Himself. Rather than seeking righteousness, one starts seeking the person of Christ. As St. Paul writes... All I want is to know Christ ... (Philippians 3:10). The life of such a person is governed not by the Law but by the love of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:14). The journey of faith ends with love - love for God and love for one's neighbour as well.
We are told about a teacher of the Law, who tried to trap Jesus by asking Him the question, "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus answered, "'Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second most important commandment is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself." The way Jesus put it suddenly opened the mind of this man. He sensed the truth in what Jesus spoke. And words just began to flow out of his mouth. "It is true, as you say, that only the Lord is God and that there is no other god but He. And you must love God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength; and you must love your neighbor as you love yourself. It is more important to obey these two commandments than to offer on the altar animals and other sacrifices to God." (Mark 12:32-33). In an instant, this man realised the futility of all the so-called religious activities that he was doing. The Spirit convicted him of what was lacking in him - love for God and his neighbour as well. And note what Jesus said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34).